Everything You Need to Know About Ironstone Pottery

Patented by Charles Mason of Staffordshire, England, this simple tableware—once known as the "poor man's porcelain"—hit American tables in the 1840s. Here's the dish on the essential pieces for a stunning whiteware collection.

PITCHERS

Originally used in washrooms, ironstone pitchers vary in design from plain to fanciful. While ornate pieces are popular, it's the early, unadorned styles collectors covet. (Look for finds with a hexagonal or octagonal shape and a bluish tint. Later pieces are creamier in color.) Motifs became more elaborate as years went on, only to return to simpler form at the end of the 19th century.

A circa 1890s milk pitcher by J. & G. Meakin is valued at $60 and showcases a pattern called Block Optic—a squared-off look reminiscent of early wares. There are hundreds of known ironstone makers, but not all pieces bear a manufacturer's mark. Heft and luster are solid indicators of authenticity.

PLATTERS

Ranging in prices from $12 to $250 for early examples, trays and platters are a favorite among collectors for both their functionality and decorative appeal. A platter showcasing Wheat and Clover, a popular motif from the 1860s, is valued at $80. A Leaf and Crossed Ribbon embossed tray, produced by Livesley & Powell between 1851 and 1866, delivers a price tag of approximately $100.

ESSENTIALS

1. CAKESTANDS Ironstone cake pedestals are rare, and when they do surface, they're expensive. (Think anywhere from $250 to $1,500 apiece.) This no-frills style dates back to the late 19th century and is valued at $350.

2. COMPOTES These pieces, like this simple design from the same period, serve up a similar stately look for a fraction of the price. (This one will set you back $80.)

3. TUREENS From single-serving soup dishes to larger pieces meant for buffet or family-style gatherings, tureens are a must-have for the ironstone collector. Sets complete with matching lid, underplate, and ladle are coveted, with older pieces maintaining a value of more than $1,000. But don't write off those orphaned finds just yet. A single tureen base, like this one, fetches $78. Because they're so breakable, ladles are also a hot collectors' item, worth up to $150.

4. CUPS The most common early ironstone drinking cup was a teacup made without a handle. These now-prized finds were not only cheaper to produce but also more apt to survive shipping unscathed. Today, they can be found for $30 or more each.

5. PLATES Whether pint-size butter dishes or full-size dinnerware, bundles of matching ironstone plates can be hard to find. Mismatched motifs work together beautifully, and single plates can be found for just a few bucks a pop. Prefer a matching set? Look for wheat-decorated styles from the 1860s, a fairly common find valued at around $30 for a set.

Special thanks to Country Living Fair vendor Scarlett Scales for allowing us to photograph her collection for this story.

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