Vintage

So one of the things I've been into over the past several years, ever since my dear family friend Deborah Farrell gave me some REALLY COOL dishes that were once used in a Denny's restaurant in the 50's, is looking for vintage dishes.

I especially like the ones that have cool patterns, like Franciscan pottery "Starburst!"  I have a few little plates in that pattern, as well as 2 serving bowls, a small platter, and a little oil carafe.

My interest in these types of items has helped me to find and purchase some pretty cool items, like the same manufacturer and color platter as the one we had when I was growing up.  It's like the one that my mom always served our birthday cakes on.

We had a full set of Russel Wright dishware when I was a kid.  In fact, there may at some point have been two sets, because we had items that were in different colors.  I recall that the platter and the sugar bowl and lots of the dishes were coral color, but there was a gravy boat and coffee cups and saucers that were dark gray.

As far as I know, my dad sold all of the Wright before he died, wanting to leave us money instead of "things." 

Since moving here, along with the Starburst stuff and the Wright platter, I've also acquired a Wright sugar bowl in a different color than either of the ones we had at home. 

When I first moved here, my very first find was a full set of 60 dishes in a Wright-esque copy pattern called "Holiday" for $30.  Yes.  $30.  We use those for our every day.  The only drawback is that they are from the 1950's and can't be microwaved!  So any reheating in the nuker has to be done on a different plate!

I've also enjoyed adding a few pieces of Fiesta ware to my collection.  I have their large platter in yellow, to match the kitchen in my house, a purple pitcher for that summertime sweet tea, and a couple of bowls, one turquoise and one cinnabar red.

It's fun to hunt for these treasures, and I am VERY frugal when I come across something that interests me.  If the price isn't right, or the seller isn't into haggling, I will walk away and live to hunt another day!

Today, I found a set of 6 bowls in a pattern I'd seen before, but hadn't purchased any of.  6 bowls from the 1950's for $15.  Looking on line, there is nothing out there that's that cheap for this pattern.

They're Canonsburg pottery, "Atomic" pattern, and they're in perfect condition.  They're really cool...look it up, and you'll see!  (or maybe I'll get some pictures taken of all of the different stuff I have and make that a different post)

Now, if only I could find some of the Marcrest Swiss Alpine/Swiss Chalet stuff we also had!  I have one bowl from home....and I love it! 

My other love?  Jadeite.  Oh. My.  I LOVE THOSE PALE GREEN DISHES! So far, I've found a set of demitasse cups, a mixing bowl with pouring spout, and one small soup bowl.  THAT stuff is a bit pricier and harder to come by, dammit.

Must continue to hunt the dark corners and bottom shelves of the antique malls!

But today, I am VERY happy with my find! 

Now....must start to make more friends to I can have folks over to use these great dishes!