Antique Ironstone

Where I grew up on Vancouver Island, antique stores were rare.  An Antique Mall?  Forget it!  When I moved to the south and  married a history buff, my love of old things bloomed.  Antique Ironstone has captured a special place in my heart… the unique story, the simplicity, and humble beauty.  People back home often ask about my interest in antiques and how it has evolved since my move to North Carolina.

The history of things new to me captivated my interest.  With the internet we get to fall in love with items from all over the world, however, I had never seen most of the antiques I have since fallen for.

While I won’t give you a history lesson, for the gals back home the popularity of Ironstone hit around the mid-nineteenth century… pitchers, gravy boats, tureens, covered casseroles, plates, bowls, cups, and saucers.

Creamy beige is a fav, but don’t stop there.  Transferware patterns in all colors or a painted design referred to as flow blue are also sought after.

This beauty came from a Junker/friend with a booth close to mine… I drool over her collection every time I pass by her antique booth.

I tend to look for pitchers and bowls for our on-line shop and antique booth’s because they are versatile. I have filled this pitcher with scented pine cones.  Fall is a beautiful time of year and the smell of scented cones adds to the warmth of the season.

I have been hunting for large primitive pieces for our new booth opening November 1st.  When my husband and I were granted early bird passes to a large estate sale, I thought we had scored.  However, it was evident that the picture perfect primitive cabinet I had in mind was nowhere to be found.  A little dejected,  I headed into a tent that had a thousand pieces of glass.

 To my surprise, in amongst all the glass was this blue and white Ironstone creamer.

 I was thrilled!

The dark cream almost beige color is generally what I look for; however, a dainty Ironstone piece like this creamer could not be passed by.

This Ironstone creamer is listed in our Etsy store.

Display Ironstone pieces in an antique hutch or better yet… put them to use!

Gravy Boat listed in our Etsy store

 A hallmark is the manufacturers marking on the bottom or back of a piece.  Ironstone will not always have markings and most collectors get to know a piece by its weight and feel.  If  there is no hallmark, as with this gravy boat, then I do not list it as Ironstone.  I tend to buy what I am attracted to, and therefore, I do not list an item as Ironstone unless it has a hallmark.

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, pull out some of your old Ironstone or start your own collection.  If you’re lucky enough to have multiple generations of family sitting at the Thanksgiving table, old pieces of Ironstone can spark conversation and smiles of days gone by.

What’s your favorite piece of Ironstone?