
Is Franciscan Pottery owned by Wedgwood?
Though Franciscan remained popular through the 1970s, the brand was sold to Wedgwood in 1979. The first dinnerware line offered by Gladding-McBean of Southern California was El Patio, designed by Mary K. Grant and marketed under a new Gladding-McBean brand called Franciscan Pottery, before it was changed to Franciscan Ware.
How do you identify Franciscan earthenware?
Franciscan Marks – Earthenware Companies identify their products with marks. Marks are often referred to as back-stamps or bugs. These are marks used by Gladding, McBean & Co. and Interpace to identify their Franciscan earthenware products.
What is a Franciscan dinnerware stamp?
With the expansion of the Dinnerware Division in 1958, this stamp became one of a group of five more distinctive trade marks emphasizing the name Franciscan. The ink of the stamp went from black to brown ink.
When did Franciscan church start selling dinnerware?
By 1936, Gladding-McBean was selling four-piece starter sets of El Patio and Coronado to newlyweds. Franciscan’s first painted dinnerware was Padua, which used the El Patio form for its shape.

What is Franciscan ware worth?
A simple dinner plate that is aged between the 40's and 50's can easily sell to collectors for up to $20 apiece, whereas modern sets made in China will charge just a few dollars a plate.
Is Franciscan Desert Rose worth anything?
Typically more than 500 pieces of Franciscan's Desert Rose are offered on eBay each week. At its price peak, a five-piece place setting of Desert Rose sold for between $40 and $45. Today, a good price is $25 per place setting.
Who buys Franciscan China?
Interpace in 1976 sold the former Gladding, McBean & Company's Lincoln plant to Pacific Coast Building Products and in 1979 sold the Franciscan Ceramics division in Los Angeles to Josiah Wedgwood & Sons, Ltd.
Is Franciscan Ware high in lead?
Franciscan China is generally (and consistently) VERY high in lead. I highly recommend not having any in your home and not ever using for food use purposes.
Is Franciscan Desert Rose still made?
After experiencing decades of popularity, Franciscan Ware Desert Rose was discontinued in 2013.
Can Franciscan Ware go in the dishwasher?
Microwave and dishwasher safe, this tableware is durable enough to use every day.
How old is Franciscan Ware?
The trademark name Franciscan Ware was used by the manufacturer Gladding, McBean and Company starting in 1934. The Desert Rose earthenware pattern was one of their best sellers. Josiah Wedgwood and Sons purchased the company in 1979 and the plant was closed in 1984.
How do I find my Franciscan China?
Companies identify their products with marks. Marks are often referred to as back-stamps or bugs. These are marks used by Gladding, McBean & Co.
When did Franciscan Ware stop using lead?
Franciscan CeramicsIndustryCeramic manufacturingFounded1962Defunct1984FateAcquiredSuccessorWaterford Wedgwood5 more rows
Can Franciscan ware be microwaved?
Franciscan Apple 10.5" Dinner Plate - Freezer, Microwave, Dishwasher Safe.
How do you know if there is lead in your dishes?
If the decorations are rough or raised, if you can feel the decoration when you rub your finger over the dish, or if you can see brush strokes above the glazed surface, the decoration is probably on top of the glaze. If the decoration has begun to wear away, there may be an even greater lead hazard.
Does Franciscan Starburst have lead?
ALL FRANCISCAN POTTERIES pieces I have EVER TESTED have had a similarly high level of Lead. They also normally leach Lead when tested in a lab.
Do vintage dishes have lead?
Vintage ceramic dishware like clay pots, cups, and plates from overseas may have high levels of lead that can contaminate your food. While lead poisoning is mostly associated with dust and chips from old paint, ceramic dishes and lead-glazed pottery can also pose serious health risks.
Does Noritake china contain lead?
This stoneware crockery has a glossy finish that gives it a luxurious texture. It is available in a variety of finishes. This place setting is non-toxic and lead-free and is safe for use.
Does Johnson Brothers China contain lead?
When tested with an XRF instrument this Johnson Brothers “Fine English China” White Plate With Scalloped Edges was positive for Lead at greater than 70,000 ppm.
What are Franciscan marks?
Franciscan Marks – Earthenware. Companies identify their products with marks. Marks are often referred to as back-stamps or bugs. These are marks used by Gladding, McBean & Co. and Interpace to identify their Franciscan earthenware products. Collector’s nickname for this mark is the “oval GMCB mark .”.
When was the Franciscan stamp used?
1954 to 1956. Mark used only on Coronado. 1958 to 1960. With the expansion of the Dinnerware Division in 1958, this stamp became one of a group of five more distinctive trade marks emphasizing the name Franciscan. The ink of the stamp went from black to brown ink.
What was the first backstamp to indicate the Franciscan name?
The first backstamp to indicate the Franciscan name was a square box: with the capital letter “F”, it was made to replace the old G.M.C.B. stamp and was used in two sizes. Collector’s nickname for this mark is the “square F mark. “. 1938 to 1939.
What does RK stand for in the Franciscan shop?
1939 to 1940. Two stamps – 2nd or RK were used on second quality ware sold in the Franciscan Shop. RK stands for Run of Kiln. This mark was replaced by using a tool to scratch the glaze over the mark which would signify the product was of second quality. Second quality wares had imperfections, usually undetectable to the human eye.
When was the Tropico mark used?
The Tropico Pottery mark was used on kitchenware (mixing bowls) and art ware from April 15, 1935 to December 31,1937. 1937 to 1942. C 806 is the shape number in the Catalina Pottery line made by Gladding, McBean & Co. 1937 to 1942.
What is the patent number for the 1811 stamp?
The copyright and registered marks were moved to below earthenware. 1961 to 1962. The patent number (0173.657) is used on the 1811 (Eclipse shape) dinner plate only. All other shapes and patterns used this stamp without the patent number. The copyright and registered marks were moved to the upper part of the stamp.
