WHITE IRONSTONE NOTES VOLUME 3 No. 3 WINTER 1997

This Classic Gothic Octagon T. J. & J. Mayer ewer and Red-Cliff mini ewer are introductions to a Gallery of Large Pitchers from members’ collections (page 4) and an article on Red-Cliff reproduction ironstone (page 9). IN THIS ISSUE how manufacturers established links with WICA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Pg. 4 A Gallery of Large Pitchers America. More minor Staffordshire manufac- Tom Moreland, President Pg. 9 Red-Cliff Reproduction Ironstone turers could not necessarily afford to do exten- Jim Kerr, Vice President Pg. 12 New and Unusual Marks sive market research and so I found that mer- Olga Moreland, Secretary Pg. 12 Peroxide chants continued to exercise an influence on Jack Allers, Treasurer Pg. 13 Regional News ceramic design, even in the nineteenth century. Beverly Dieringer David Barker thought you might be interested Patty Spahr Hitt Pg. 14 Spare Parts Pg. 14 Collectors’ Showcase to know of this research as references to white Fran Kinne granite crop up regularly, since this product Tom Lautenschlager was considered by the Staffordshire press to be Harry Lowe FROM THE EDITORS’ DESK particularly adapted to the United States mar- Dorothy Noble, Howard Noble Jill O’Hara We want to thank our members for their gen- ket. As you know WG was exported in vast Ed Rigoulot erous response to our requests for pho- quantities to America and I was just amazed to Honorary Lifetime Member tographs. We were thinking of lost opportuni- see the photograph of the ‘Show and Sale’ in Jean Wetherbee ties to get shots of certain Red-Cliff pieces your journal. when we opened a letter from Lynn Gonzales There was not a single piece of white gran- of California, and there was a photo of the ite ware in the City Museum collection until Coral Soup Tureen we wanted. David Barker purchased 4 pieces. This must The WHITE IRONSTONE CHINA ASSOCI- Sometimes people get to be in the right place have been on the trip when he met you. I have ATION, INC. is a not for profit corporation. at the right time. We hit the jackpot several been to the City Museum to see them and they WHITE IRONSTONE NOTES  is the offi- weeks ago when we went to Jack Anspaugh’s are wonderful -- a splendid tureen, coffee pot cial newsletter of the corporation and no arti- home to assist at a photo session. Jack’s col- and two large plates. (The English call plat- cle, photograph or drawing may be reproduced lection of PRESIDENT SHAPE ironstone was ters, plates. Ed) It is the ‘fault’ of my disser- without express permission of WICA, Inc. being photographed to be included in a book tation that the Museum is taking an interest in ______on kitchen wares by Suzanne Slesin and wares made for export! Stafford Cliff. (We will report more on this I would be very interested to know more WHITE IRONSTONE NOTES is published when we find out when the book is published.) about your particular interests and whether I and edited by Ernie and Bev Dieringer four While we were waiting for the photographer, a could be of any assistance. times a membership year. Drawings and pho- car drove up with three people. They had Yours sincerely, Neil Ewins tos are by Ernie and Bev Dieringer unless oth- arranged to meet at Jack’s for the purpose of ************************************* erwise noted. Please send all news notes, arti- picking up pieces that had been borrowed and Naturally, we wrote back immediately and cles, suggestions, questions and listings for photographed in the New York studio. asked how we could get copies of his disserta- advertising or the Spare Parts column to: One of the visitors was a young man named tion. This is his answer: WICA, Box 536, Redding Ridge, CT David Barker. He was from England and was ************************************* 06876. Fax # 203 938 8378 or e-mail spending a week in the U.S. visiting friends I was delighted to have your letter of 27th [email protected]. and taking a workshop in Mocha ceramic tech- August, and all your enclosures. I have really ______niques. As the conversation turned naturally, enjoyed reading your ‘White Ironstone Notes’. A three ring notebook to save your issues of to white ironstone, David said that he was an Whilst in America doing some research for WHITE IRONSTONE NOTES is available at archaeologist at the City Museum and Art my dissertation I was able to acquire some $8 plus $1.50 shipping. Total of $9.50. Gallery at Stoke-on-Trent. He had recently pieces of white granite. I have an Atlantic Back issues of the newsletter are available to excavated some white shards from the Shape plate by T. & R. Boote, an unhandled members only at $5 each. areas of Pankhurst and Livesley Powell & Co. cup and saucer by Elsmore & Forster in the Volume 1, #1, 2 & 3. Volume 2, #1, 2, 3 & 4. This was curious to him because he had never Victory Shape, and also a plate marked J. Make checks payable to WICA and send to the seen undecorated ironstone. Almost none with a registration mark of 14th above address. exists in England. November, 1856. When I happened to be ______You might think that this would be as inter- researching in the Public Record Office, Kew ADVERTISING RATES esting as things could get, but you would be Gardens, a couple of years ago, I looked up Advertisements will be accepted in order of wrong. David went on to tell us about a friend this date and found it was a design registered receipt from WICA members and space allow- named Neil Ewins, also from England, who by Davenport. I was so pleased to see you dis- ing, from non-members. Rates (subject to was doing a dissertation on ironstone. I wrote cuss this pattern in your Volume 2 No. 2. You change): $20 per column inch (7 lines). Non- Neil and here is the letter he sent back: call it Fig Shape and Davenport called it Union members, $40 per column inch. Members can ************************************* Shape. list a single piece for sale free in the Spare Parts column each issue space allowing. LETTERS TO THE EDITORS Payment in full by check made out to WICA Dear Mrs. Dieringer, must accompany each ad. Send to newsletter I have been given your name by David address. Publishing deadlines are, Dec. 1 for Barker, Keeper of Archaeology at the City Winter, March 1 for Spring, June 1 for Museum and Art Gallery of Stoke-on-Trent. Summer, Sept. 1 for Fall. He showed me a copy of your White Ironstone ______Notes which was fascinating. APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP I have just completed an M.Phil dissertation Send $25 for each individual or $30 for two entitled Staffordshire Ceramic Trade with the individuals at the same address with check United States 1775-1880: Design and made payable to WICA, to: Jim Kerr / Cavern Marketing, and this is being published by the View Antiques, RD#1 - Box 23, Howes Cave, Museum. NY 12092. Please send all ADDRESS My thesis considers the ceramic require- CHANGES to the same address. ments and tastes of the American market, and 2 The City Museum & Art Gallery of Stoke- the exact same transfer -- a floral design which added when the new design was found because on-Trent are publishing my research disserta- is decorated with rose, blue and green. Many of a teapot drawing on pg. 210. We suspect tion next year. The Keeper of Ceramics, pieces of Flower Vase have as part of their Mayer’s Curved Gothic and Long Octagon are Miranda Goodby is in charge of the project. printed backstamp: Prize Medal 1851. Many the same pattern. The handles and finials are When I last saw her she thought that the book pieces of Rhone Scenery have the impressed the same and even when different, all have may be ready by April. I do not know how registry date of October 22, 1853. curved corners and are octagon shaped (some much it will cost but I will keep you posted. Ellen Hill, Madison, NJ square and some rectangular). The English Neil Ewins. designers did the same in other body shapes ie. ************************************* President Shape has both round and oval ver- The drawing is from the books of registration sions of almost everything. records. We will do a more extensive article on ************************************* these drawings in a later issue. We have new Membership Invitation leaflets. In the same spirit of research and discovery, Anyone who wants to place some in antique we got a note from Julie Rich. stores or malls or use at shows, please write to ************************************* the newsletter address for a supply. I have a wonderful quote that I pulled out of BARBER that I thought you might enjoy. Josiah Wedgwood wrote this to Sir William WICA THIRD ANNUAL Meridith about a Mr. Bartlem who had emi- grated to South Carolina in 1766. Above: Rhone Scenery mulberry transfer on CONVENTION “The bulk of our particular manufactures are, Mayer Long Octagon/Curved Gothic? under- MAY 2 - 4, 1997 you know, exported to foreign markets, for our tray. home consumption is very trifling in compari- ************************************* CANANDAIGUA, NY son, to what is sent abroad; & the principal of Frank and I were just at the regional meet- At the Inn on the Lake these markets are the Continent & Islands of ing in Monroe, WI, and found a teapot the North America. To the Continent we send an same as on page 48, figure 7-54. (White Fill out and mail in the amazing quantity of white ironstone & some of Ironstone: A Collector’s Guide) This one is enclosed registration form the finer kinds, but for the Islands we cannot stamped James Edwards and a patent date of make anything to (sic) rich and costly. This 1854. The month and day are not readable. trade to our Colonies we are apprehensive of Carol & Frank Fleischman, Joliet, IL losing in a few years, as they have set on foot ************************************* CALENDAR some pottworks there already, and have at this Jean had noted that the maker’s name and MAY 2 - 4, 1997 - WICA 3rd Annual time an agent amongst us hiring a number date were unreadable. We have passed this National Convention, Canandaigua, NY. of our hands for establishing new Pottworks in information on to her and hope Dan SEPTEMBER 6, 1997, Region 4 Meeting in South Carolina: having got one of our insol- Overmeyer who owns the teapot sees this too! Rochester, MN, hosted by Jane & John vent Master Potters there to conduct them. Another piece in the puzzle. Thank you. Yunginger. (507) 289-6138 for information. They have enough material there, equal if not ************************************* NOVEMBER 9, 1997, Region 5 Meeting in superior to our own, for carrying on that man- On page 4 in the Fall 1996 Newsletter under Houston, TX, hosted by the Hurts and the ufacture: and as the necessaries of life, and T. J. & J. Mayer Octagon Shapes you have a Bedfords. (713) 498 2395 for information. consequently the price of labour amongst us picture of a large tureen and matching sauce are daily advancing, it is highly probable that tureen marked Long Octagon. more will follow them, and join their brother I have the same two tureens (smaller one NEXT ISSUES artists and manufacturers of every class, who lacking the tray and ladle). When I first found SPRING 1997: A profile on Lily of the are from all quarters taking a rapid flight the sauce tureen some years ago, I looked in Valley and Hyacinth. indeed the same way!” the Wetherbee books for the pattern. As you Index of Newsletters Barber says that Wedgwood procured sam- know there was none. Then I tried to match it SUMMER 1997: Children’s tea sets and ples of the from SC and used it in “large on the basis of general shape, and the shapes of other miniature individual pieces. quantities” for several years. He then used base and finial. I thought I had found it in Convention coverage clay from Florida which he seemed to prefer. Wetherbee II, page 36 -- marked “Curved FALL 1997: A profile on Full Ribbed, I understand from Father Jim White (our Gothic epergne” by T. J. & J. Mayer. Both my Ribbed Bud and Ribbed Raspberry. Tea Leaf member who is a potter) that pieces are T. J. & J. Mayer. Wedgwood still imports clay from the US. Is the Mayer pattern now called Long Julie Rich, Newark, DE Octagon? And if so, is there still a Curved ************************************* Gothic pattern by James Edwards (as drawn on WHITE IRONSTONE: I certainly do enjoy the White Ironstone page 36, also)? Or is his pattern now also A COLLECTOR’S Newsletter! The article on T. J. & J. Mayer Long Octagon? I’ve never seen anything in was excellent, but there were a few points that the Edwards pattern -- are the 2 patterns the GUIDE I would like to clarify with information I found same or just similar? By Jean Wetherbee while doing research on Mulberry Ironstone. As always, the newsletter is fascinating, and Hard bound copies are available from First, Rhone Scenery, a pattern you mention very high quality. WICA for $25.95 plus $3 shipping. as being Flow Blue is Mulberry Ironstone. Denise Andre, Chicago, IL There are three major Mulberry transfer pat- ************************************* Send check made out to WICA, to: terns by Mayer: Rhone Scenery -- a “scenic” James Edwards Curved Gothic will not Fran Kinne pattern showing fanciful castles, trees, rivers change. Mayers Curved Gothic epergne in 110 Hillside Ave. and bridges with different “views” on the var- Weatherbee’s new book, pg. 45, is aptly Tenafly, NJ 07670 ious pieces; and Flower Vase/Ava which have described. The Long Octagon name was 3 A GALLERY OF LARGE PITCHERS

Classic Gothic Octagon made by Early Davenport shape, c. 1830, with Fluted Hills by Jacob Furnival. Unnamed hexagon shape. Very more than 10 potters. This one anchor mark. Probably 1840’s. original design, possibly early. by T. J. & J. Mayer. Lautenschlager collection. Hills Collection. Moreland collection.

Framed Classic by James Classic Gothic Octagon by T. & R. Footed Primary by Frances Full Panelled Gothic by T. J. & J. Edwards. Noble collection. Boote. Secrist collection Morley. Noble collection. Mayer. Noble collection.

Prize Bloom by T. J. & J. Mayer, Pumpkin Primary by T. J. & J. Fenton by Davenport and J. Full Panelled Gothic by Jacob 1853. Allers collection. Mayer. Noble collection. Wedgwood. Furnival. Kinne collection. 4 Most of these large (11” to 14”) pitchers are ewers and would have had a matching basin or bowl. Some are 9 1/2” to 11” table pitchers. We will show some ewers with their matching bowls (which are harder to photograph) in a future Gallery of Chamber Sets. If you have ewers or large pitchers not shown here, please send photos (include marks and size) to the newsletter for use in additional future pages to this gallery.

Wrapped Sydenham by Anthony Sydenham made in Bennington, Girard Shape by Ridgway, Bates Many Panelled Gothic by Anthony Shaw and Livesley, Powell and VT. 1850 -1858. Allers collection & Co. 1856. Kinne collection. Shaw. Kinne collection. Co.

Fluted Band by Wedgwood. Montpelier Graybeard by John Pearl Sydenham by J. & G. Gothic by Elsmore & Forster. Rigoulot and Brockey collec- Ridgway. Overmeyer collection Meakin Goselin and Vasseur collection. tion.

Sydenham Shape by T. & R. Boote’s 1851 Octagon by T. & R. Dallas Shape by J. Clementson Baltic Shape by T. Hulme and G. Boote, 1853. Lautenschlager Boote. Allers collection. Wooliscroft, 1855. Mississippi by 5 collection. E. Pearson, Maltese by E. Corn. Chinese Shape by Shaw, 1856 Chinese Shape by T. & R. Boote, Panelled Grape by J. F. Grape Octagon by Livesley, Powell and also by J. Clementson. 1858. Many variations by other Clementson, E. Pearson and & Co. and a dozen other makers. makers. Charles Meigh and Son. Noble collection.

Quartered Rose by J.F. This one Walled Octagon by Jacob .Furnival. Panelled Decagon by Elsmore & Fig/Union Shape by Davenport has an impressed mark “FURNI- Forster. Noble collection. and also Wedgwood. VAL 20”

Divided Gothic by John Alcock. Atlantic Shape by T. & R. Boote, Scalloped Decagon/Cambridge Split Pod also called Alternate 1858. by Davenport and Wedgwood. Octagon by James Edwards, also Gonzales photo and collection. made by John Alcock. 6

Ribbed Grape by W. & E. Corn. New York Shape by Prize Puritan by T. J. & J. Mayer Laurel Wreath Shape by Elsmore J. Clementson, 1858. 1851. & Forster. Diemer collection.

Sharon Arch/Erie Shape by Columbia, unmarked. Registered Morning Glory also known as Victor Shape by F. Jones, 1868. Davenport and J. Wedgwood, by several potters in 1855. Halleck Shape by Elsmore & Diemer collection. 1860. Forster. Moreland collection.

Full Ribbed by J. W. Pankhurst. Ribbed Bud by J. W. Pankhurst. Ceres Shape by Elsmore & Wheat by W. & E. Corn. Kinne collection. Kinne collection. Forster, 1859.

7 Athenia Shape by J. & T. Close & Scotia Shape by Jones & Co. also Unknown Shape with great loop Union Shape by T. & R. Boote, Co., 1866. known as Poppy Shape by handle by Clementson Bros., 1856. Wileman. Kinne collection. 1856. Lowe photo and collec- tion.

Lily of the Valley by James Unnamed late Victorian shape by Laurel Shape by Wedgwood & Fuschia by George Jones. Diane Edwards, 1858. Alfred Meakin marked Royal Co. 1860’s. R. Rich collection. Dorman collection. Ironstone, England. Gonzales col- lection.

Unknown shape. Unmarked. Unknown shape possibly American. Draped Leaf by John Maddock & Corn and Oats by Davenport Secrist photo and collection. Note Sydenham shape on the bot- Son. Kinne collection. Note simi- and Wedgwood. Kinne collec- tom. Lowe photo and collection. larity of leaves and handles on tion. pitcher at left. 8

RED-CLIFF REPRODUCTION IRONSTONE

Fred Clifford started the Red-Cliff Cliff ware does not look like early English spout and adding another ring handle. He Company in Chicago, Illinois, in the late or American ironstone because of its finished the set off by adding a tray for the 1950’s. He purchased pieces of antique creamy-white rather than blue-white sugar and creamer to appeal to the 1950’s English ironstone and had the Hall China homemaker. Red-Cliff catalogs adver- Company in East Liverpool, Ohio, make tised over a dozen different soup tureens, reproductions. Some of those antique a half dozen dinner services, tea sets, pieces were bought from Mrs. Pauline condiments, lavabos, footbaths, candle- Meisen-Helter of York, Pennsylvania, an sticks and even matching pressed pattern early dealer/collector of ironstone. The glassware for the Sydenham Shape among Hall China Co. made the molded pieces others. and the hollow ware, but the Walker China Recently Red-Cliff reproduction iron- Co. of Bedford Heights, Ohio, made some stone has become a collectable china. We of the flat ware such as dishes, plates and did this article because we’ve been told by platters. Almost all pieces are marked many members that they believed Red- with a printed Red-Cliff mark. There was Cliff was real old ironstone and in many no attempt at deception since the lion and cases they paid the price of an antique. unicorn or other English-looking Red-Cliff is modern ware and should not “antique” marks were not used, unlike the color. Modern production techniques of be sold as an antique. practice of some of the earlier American one-piece -poured molds, rather than The pieces shown here are from mem- ironstone potters. Mr. Clifford must have slabs of clay hand pressed into separate bers’ collections. Some are shown with run his company very frugally because his molds, surely are the reason these copies the illustrations and prices taken from one catalogs had no flashy photographs, only are not like the originals. In some pieces of the original catalogs. These catalogs line drawings of each piece and the same it seems they made exact casts right off the are valuable research material and we drawings were used in the 1962 catalog as antiques. But in others, they elongated or don’t have the space to reproduce them in the 1976 catalog. Red-Cliff retail cata- widened the shapes and even substituted here in full. We have copies of the 1962 logs began with a brief history of English different handles. The most “wrong look- and 1976 catalogs. They are available to ironstone china and called their new wares ing” pieces are complete fabrications. Mr. WICA members for $6 each including a modern reproduction ironstone with Clifford apparently found a T. & R. Boote postage. Send a check made out to WICA alterations. A fully vitrified body fired at 1851 Octagon teapot with a Sydenham lid, to: P.O. Box 536, Redding Ridge, CT 2,400 degrees which makes it oven, which meant that his reproduction was 06876. microwave and dishwasher-proof. This wrong from the start. Not having a sugar For further reading, see Grandma's Tea process also makes it “craze-proof” and or creamer, he simply had Hall China Leaf Ironstone by Annise Heavilin, page nearly stain-proof because the clay is not make a small teapot for a creamer and cre- 175-181. Published by Wallace- at all porous. To an experienced eye, Red- ated a sugar bowl by eliminating the pour Homestead, 1981.

This piece is identified as a “Victorian tureen” in the 1962 Red-Cliff calls this shape “Edwardian”. Ten pint catalog. $25. The undertray was $7. The original “Coral capacity and 13” tall. 1962 catalog price, $23 and Above drawings are Shape” tureen by Wedgwood 1847, appears on the cover of the undertray was sold separately for $7. Photo and from the 1962 catalog. White Ironstone Notes, Vol. 2 No. 1. The Red-Cliff version, 9 collection of Nancy J. Adams, Jamaica, VT. photo and collection of Lynn Gonzales, Watsonville, CA. The teapot above is “Sydenham” and $22. in the ‘76 catalog. 10” high. The creamer is identified as “Sydenham” in the same catalog, 6” tall with a 14 oz. capacity, priced $10. There are five graduated sizes of this pitcher, the smallest is 5 1/2” to the tallest at 8 1/4”. Collection of Jane Diemer, Wilmington, DE. Above: Incorrectly named Sydenham tea set from the ‘76 catalog which has Boote’s 1851 body shape with Sydenham lids . Note the ring handles on the sugar and a tea pot used as a creamer, not to mention the set of Classic Gothic pitchers above which are also designated as Sydenham. Right: A pressed glass goblet which we believe was produced for Red-Cliff by Fostoria. It came in several colors beside clear. There are four other patterns of gob- lets and several comports or “Bonbon dishes” in “Red- Cliff’s hand-pressed pattern glass”. These pieces appear in the 1976 catalog along with a short history of American pressed glass. Above is an interesting example of a piece designed for use by the modern homemaker. It is an undertray for a sugar and creamer. 12” handle to handle. The inspiration must have been from a Fig/Union Shape piece but Fred Clifford decided that grapes were more saleable and sub- stituted them for the fig budded flower. $7.50 in 1976. Collection of Fran Kinne, Tenafly, NJ.

Above: The ‘62 catalog calls this an Octagonal Comport. 9” tall, $12.50. In the ‘76 catalog it is a Above: “Colonial” candlestick is in the ‘76 catalog at $20 for a pair. 10 1/4” high. “Heirloom Comport” for The “Octagonal” candlestick appears in the ‘62 catalog at $9.50 a pair. 9” high. $28. It holds 5 pints. The three miniature pitchers and bowls all have Red-Cliff marks. In the’62 cata- Photo and collection of log, the Fig set is named “Grape Leaf” and the Gothic set is identified as Harry Lowe, Culpeper, VA. “Sydenham”. Each is priced $4. The center pitcher and bowl appears in the’76 cat- (Harry filled his comport alog and is identified as “Sydenham” even though the bowl is Boote’s 1851 Octagon, with white goose eggs.) and the earlier Gothic version appears to have been discontinued. 10 Left: This piece appears in the ‘62 catalog with a matching lid. (Drawing below). We have seen this shape in pewter but not in ironstone. In the ‘76 catalog it appears without a lid and is called a soup or porringer. One cup capacity, $5. Below: Egg cup. Photo and collection of Lynn Gonzales, Watsonville, CA.

“Sydenham” salt and pepper set, 4” high, $9 in ‘76 catalog. Collection of Kathy Lautenschlager, Woodbury, CT.

Left: This grapevine handled ladle with pour spout is not marked Red-Cliff nor is the ladle below, however, both have come with Red-Cliff Listed as “Octagonal Grape Tureens” the tureens. There is a above came in three sizes. These are the two grapevine handled smallest. The mini is probably a mustard pot. ladle in the Museum ‘62 price $5, the sauce size was $9. The soup of Ceramics in East tureen is 13” high and was $18 plus $6 for the Liverpool, Ohio, undertray in ‘62. In ‘76 it was $54 plus $14 for marked Hall China. the undertray. Photo and collection of Dale Abrams, Columbus, OH.

Three pieces of Red-Cliff Tea Leaf owned by Julie Rich of Newark, DE. Drawings are from the ‘62 retail catalog.

Below: This 5” pitcher was sold separately from the tea set in the same pattern and was $4. A matching tray for the sugar and creamer was also available. All these pieces were discon- tinued in the ‘76 catalog.

11 NEW AND UNUSUAL MARKS

Left: Wally Skinner included this wonderful graphic mark with the fancy “FOR” on an 11” plain oval platter. The platter also was impressed with a J. & G. Meakin mark. Below: Lion and unicorn marks are almost always printed. Wally Skinner found this impressed one on a child’s Above: Harry Lowe sent this mark saucer. Below left: Wally also found this which was on the lid of a square ROSE whimsical lion and unicorn mark includ- BUD sauce tureen. Edwards marked ing a banner with “The Queen’s Royal each piece of the tureen so that there Ironstone.” would be no question of copying.

Above: We know this mark is not unusual but isn’t it wonderful? This American Knowles, Taylor & Knowles mark is on a small, plain sauce dish. Also from Wally Skinner.

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE for appropriate use in commercial/industrial rapidly with direct exposure to concentrated As hydrogen peroxide is one of the most applications. (We have only been able to buy peroxide solutions. frequently used chemicals in the cleaning of it in up to 30 volume or percent.) Hydrogen Although hydrogen peroxide solutions are white ironstone china, it was suggested that an peroxide is always stored in vented containers non-flammable, the highly exothermic (heat informational article concerning its chemistry to avoid pressure buildup over time due to generating) nature of the oxidation reaction and physical properties be prepared for the decomposition -- with associated oxygen when in contact with various materials can WICA membership. The following is offered release. cause combustion of those materials. The with that objective; it is not intended nor sug- The possession of an extra oxygen atom, combustion heat further promotes solution gested to be an instruction manual for the increases its density when compared to water. “breakdown”, releasing oxygen and thereby cleaning of ironstone. Therefore, a gallon of peroxide weighs 9.9 accelerating the combustion rate. (Feeding the Hydrogen peroxide can be described as pounds compared to 8.3 pounds for a gallon fire.) Further, direct contact of concentrated “supercharged” water, because its chemical of water. (Julie Rich mentioned that she was peroxide solutions with certain metals will formula (H2O2) is very similar to water surprised that a 5 gallon container of perox- cause an explosive decomposition of the solu- (H2O). The possession of an extra oxygen ide was much heavier than 5 gallons of water tion due to steam generation and oxygen atom gives hydrogen peroxide its chemical after having carried some into her home.) release. (Always store peroxide in plastic or reactivity, known as oxidation (releasing oxy- The ability of peroxide to “oxidize” organ- glass containers.) gen) when reacting with various organic and ic and inorganic materials, while producing In closing, hydrogen peroxide appears to inorganic materials. Upon reaction, this extra water as a reaction byproduct promotes its be an excellent and effective “whitening” oxygen atom is released, leaving water. The widespread use as a whitening agent. As agent when properly applied with adequate released oxygen atoms may combine chemi- applied to the cleaning of white ironstone, the safeguards. However its long term effect on cally with the organic/inorganic material oxidizing reaction causes decolorization of white ironstone china is not fully known and, (dirt), or form oxygen gas (O2). These prop- the “dirt” while increasing its solubility. The when applied to same, it is essential that the erties play an important role in the commer- byproduct water from this reaction further user fully understand the hazardous implica- cial utilization of hydrogen peroxide. aids in solubilizing the “dirt”, for “flushing” tions of misuse or accident. Hydrogen peroxide is manufactured via from the item being treated. Ray Secrist (Member of the WICA education chemical reaction/distillation, being recov- This same oxidizing ability can present seri- committee and chemical engineer.) ered as a clear liquid of 50-90+% concentra- ous health consequences when in direct con- Reference: Kirk-Othmar; Encyclopedia of tion. The dilution agent is water plus stabiliz- tact with human flesh and/or clothing. Chemical Technology, 2nd Edition, Volume ing chemicals to retard product decomposi- Concentrations exceeding those of pharma- 11, pp 391-410. tion. Chemical reactivity increases with ceutical bactericides should always be han- ************************************ increasing solution concentration, 70+ per- dled with caution -- the hazard potential Comments in parentheses and italics are cent solutions being used primarily by the increasing directly with peroxide solution those of the editors and not Ray’s. military as propellents. (Rocket fuel?) 50 to concentration. Severe skin burns and perma- nent mucus membrane damage can occur 70% product is typically diluted with water 12 REGIONAL NEWS

SECOND MID-ATLANTIC sharing and support of WICA, because we next regional in the fall of 1997. REGION 7 MEETING enjoy it so much. And, as Jean says, “Think The last event of the day was a tour of the Beautiful early fall weather greeted the thirty White”! Lancaster’s home and an opportunity to see the WICAns who were welcomed by Sandy Harriet Denton, Potomac, MD rest of their antique collections, including more Jenkins and Mary Bell at their Bethesda, ironstone. Maryland home the morning of September 21st. REGION 4 MEETS Bill Lancaster, Monroe, WI Members came from Delaware, District of Saturday, September 7th brought 21 WICA Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, members together for the first Region 4 meeting REGION 5 MEETING Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Virginia. As the held in Monroe, WI. Represented were the Twenty white ironstone enthusiasts attended many boxes were brought in and unpacked, states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and the second annual meeting of Region 5 there were numerous ‘finds’ and the enthusiasm Minnesota. Bill and Carol Lancaster were (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico mounted. Then it was time for the feature of the pleased to host this meeting held at the and Texas) on November 2nd at the home of Ed day... Peppercorn Cafe. Rigoulot and Ted Brocky in Colleyville, Texas. Because we prefer white to stained ironstone, Presentations included Kyle Husfloen, dis- Seven tables set up around the pool looked Julie Rich was invited to speak on “Cleaning cussing his role as editor of Jean Wetherbee’s like they were topped with snow -- our favorite Your Ironstone.” With her usual thoroughness, White Ironstone: a Collector’s Guide. He pro- kind of snow, ironstone china! The Hurts, Julie provided a sheet of instructions regarding vided examples of the process of categorizing, Bedfords and Panniers of Texas, the Lipperts of three methods of cleaning--but with a caveat: describing and illustrating the numerous pat- Oklahoma, and the Whites of Arizona, brought “Use of high-volume peroxide can be danger- terns. He complimented Jean on her knowledge many beautiful pieces to sell -- including soup ous!” A lively discussion followed Julie’s pre- and organizational skills and their excellent tureens, teapots, relishes, a pedestaled compote, sentation, with excellent input by several working relationship. The demands of the pub- Lily Pad cookie dish and much, much more. knowledgeable members including Ray Secrist lishing industry were also made evident. Needless to say, a good time was had by all. and Ernie Dieringer. (Note:White Ironstone After an engrossing show and tell a video on Notes Winter 1995 for Ernie’s article on clean- pottery making brought by Sally Erdman was ing and Ray Secrist’s article on pg. 12.) Julie’s shown. The video detailed all the activity final advice was to have your ironstone safely involved in the making of china in the nine- cleaned by a professional! A ruined plate was teenth century, and featured an excerpt on the passed around to show what Clorox does to the last firing of a bottle in Staffordshire, glaze. England. This interesting and informative film A buffet luncheon was served on J.F. platters is worth viewing, and we bet Sally would be and other handsome ironstone belonging to more than willing to advise where to find it to Sandy and Mary, and eaten from “Panelled all interested parties. The Hurts and Bedfords Grape” plates furnished by Harriet Denton. of Houston will host the next Region 5 meeting Dessert was another showpiece of the day--a on Saturday, November 9, 1997 at their respec- huge cake decorated with the full WICA logo tive homes. That’s right -- two homes, two col- and served from an impressive cake stand lections to view and admire...can’t wait! belonging to Harry Lowe. During a brief busi- Ed Rigoulot, Colleyville, TX ness meeting, Jane Diemer suggested that we plan ahead for the next regional meeting and Below: Ed Rigoulot and Ted Brockey and everyone applauded when Kathleen and Tony another creative cake sitting on the undertray Constable offered their Frederick, MD, home Bill Lancaster, host of the Region 4 meeting, of a Sydenham Shape soup tureen, sporting a for a 1997 get-together. shares favorite creamers as part of his “A marzipan “table cloth” and a real mini tea set. The afternoon was largely devoted to Show Collector’s Saga” presentation and Tell. Several patterns (some with name unknown) were examined and we all broadened Bill Lancaster provided “A Collector’s Saga” our knowledge of J.F. -- whom we now know with 28 examples from the pitcher collection was Jacob Furnival. that he and Carol have accumulated over the Region 7 thanks all who contributed to make past 20 years. Their interest in white ironstone it such a delightful meeting. Let’s increase our was started with an inherited Tracery creamer that has since been joined by 6 other pitchers in this pattern as well as many other shapes including Ceres, Corn and Oats, Wheat and Clover and others in the “grain” category. A variety of plain creamers with Carol’s floral arrangements decorated the tables. Following a buffet lunch, Anne Miller pre- sented information about the cleaning of white ironstone that has been ruined because of the use of chlorine bleach. Luckily, most stains can be removed with great patience and a combina- tion of cleaning techniques. All members added to the event by present- ing their collecting stories and providing items for “Show and Tell” and table sales. It was interesting to note the variety of pattern special- Our apologies for not using more of the won- ities and the quality of the collections repre- derful photos of the regional events. There just sented by this group. John and Jane Yunginger wasn’t enough room to do them justice. Bev 13 Cake made for the Mid-Atlantic regional. of Rochester, MN graciously agreed to host the SPARE PARTS WANTED WHEAT & CLOVER by Turner & SEVRES sugar bowl and lid with cone finial FOR SALE Tompkinson, saucers, a creamer, plates under for teapot 3 3/16” across by John Edwards, SYDENHAM 4 piece soup tureen by 8” diameter and chamber (bathroom) pieces. TRENT sugar bowl lid with rosebud finial, 3 T. & R. Boote. $1,050 firm Ted Brown (410) 563 2221 1/2” across, HOLLY chamber pot base by Polly Gosselin (203) 233 2392 ------John Maddock. ------SYDENHAM round cover to sauce tureen. Nancy Adams (802) 874 4706 Sauce tureen underplates: WHEAT and Kathy Lautenschlager (203) 263 4296 ------CLOVER, IVY WREATH, Round ------WHEAT & HOPS (Wheat & Blackberry) COLUMBIA SHAPE. Looking for three soup tureen lids, BOOTE’S teapot lid, opening 3 1/4”. Dick Armbruster (313) 453 2390 1851 Octagon, Edwards CAMEO Nancy Rajala (810) 239 0272 ------OCTAGON, Alcock’s GOTHIC DECAGON. ------WHEAT three piece tea set by W. & E. Corn, B & E. Dieringer (203) 938 3740 SHARDS, pieces of white ironstone beyond WHEAT by W. & E. Corn 11” covered veg------repair. Plain or fancy. Large or small. etable. SYDENHAM oval soup tureen lid, sauce Worthless finials and handles from broken Ed Rigoulot (817) 354 4644 underplate, coffee pot lid, butter insert, any treasures. Needed for crafts project. ------children’s tea sets. Harry Lowe (202) 546 8809 Dick Armbruster (313) 453 2390 ------LAUREL WREATH dinner plates 9 1/2” or WHITE IRONSTONE SCALLOPED DECAGON sugar bowl lid, larger, pitchers, compote, mug, sauce tureen, FOR SALE BY MAIL ORDER NEW YORK SHAPE butter dish lid, BERLIN SWIRL coffee or teapot lid (will RIBBED BUD butter dish lid. Satisfaction guaranteed. consider buying whole pot if necessary). Jim Kerr (518) 296 8052 Please send LSASE Patty Hurt (713) 977 8879 ------for our Winter 1997 list. ------TRENT or STAFFORD gravy tureen under- Jim & Mara Kerr CERES by Elsmore & Forster, 2 child’s set tray, FRAMED LEAF and PANELLED Cavern View Antiques saucers for cups, 4 1/4” diameter. GRAPE by J.F. soup tureen undertrays. R.D. #1 - Box 23 John Yunginger (507) 289 6138 Howes Cave, NY 12092 Ed Rigoulot (817) 354 4644 ------(518) 296 8052

COLLECTORS’ SHOWCASE

This rare white ironstone alpha- has an impressed Elsmore & bet or ABC plate escaped having a Foster (not Forster but sometimes transfer design on its center which that spelling showed up on their usually depicted a moral teaching or wares) mark on its bottom. No a nursery rhyme. These plates were date on it but we suspect it was a Victorian instruction tool. potted before 1870. Elsmore & Leaving nothing to chance, it was Forster were in business between presumed that the child, while con- 1853 and 1871. centrating on his or her food, would For more reading on children’s absorb the alphabet also. This idea miniatures: Understanding was carried into our century in the Miniature British Pottery and form of alphabet soup. 1730 -- Present Day, by Huge numbers of ABC plates Maurice and Evelyn Milbourn. were produced between 1880 and Published by Antique Collectors’ 1890. This one is 7 1/4” across and Club. 14

These pitchers in Classic Gothic Shape,

a T. J. & J. Mayer ewer and a