I’m pretty sure, when we talk about collecting, I am always claiming it to be one of my favorite things. And collecting ironstone, that is definitely true. For this week’s post on collecting, here’s a complete guide to vintage ironstone.
If you’re the obsessive type like me, then you’ll understand where I am coming from. Cause, oh boy, when I find a good piece of ironstone it just makes me so happy.
I have some collections that would fall under that heading of ‘ironstone’, and I will show you a few. But today, let’s mainly focus on the white ironstone.
What is ironstone?
If you’re not familiar with the subject, what white ironstone is, and what it is not, can be confusing. First, let’s start with what it is NOT. It just isn’t white pottery.
It’s also not to be confused with milk glass, even though I style the two side by side often. If you want to know a bit about that, I have written a few posts on milk glass, as that is my oldest collection that I have. I began collecting that when I was 14 years old. Ummm, that was a long time ago.
Ironstone is known by a few names. You may see markings on it, listing it as some of these, or many variations:
- iron stone china
- semi-porcelain
- stone china
- stoneware
- royal china
- royal ironstone china
- royal vitreous
- transferware (more about this later)
Once you have seen it, and can familiarize yourself with its characteristics, it will become easier to spot and be able to tell if it is old or a newer reproduction.
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How to identify ironstone
When looking for antique ironstone, one of the first ways you can identify it is through the markings on the bottom. You will not always find one, but this is a good start.
Old ironstone is definitely heavier than you might expect it to be. It will also make a ‘ring’ type noise when you hold it up and flick it. The vintage pieces that I like may have a bit of discoloration or ‘crazing’. This is the crackle type finish ironstone gets when the glaze has been comprised due to age. Not every piece gets this way.
Ironstone definitely looks like heavy white pottery, but can also be a warm white color, have a blue-ish tinge to it, or be any variety of dark creams. The color will not be the tell of ironstone, as there is a variety.
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Starting a collection of vintage ironstone
As with anything, when we talk about collecting, you simply need to be drawn to it and want some. Ironstone pieces will look great in your home decor, and can often be used.
I do use my ironstone collection in many ways, but am careful when using certain pieces for food. For food, I use my milk glass and other pottery way more.
You will find ironstone in many shapes, dish types, and details. A few collectible styles are:
- pitchers
- dishes (plates, bowls)
- tureens
- butter pats
- platters
- chamber pots (best for plants, their history doesn’t lend using them near food)
All about the markings
As an ironstone collector, one of the exciting parts is seeing the maker’s mark. This was the branding of the time, which showed which company made it. You will find many different markings, even within the same maker over the years.
There are so many markings and interesting information that I will be posting later this week about those brand stamps. Check back to learn more.
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What types of pieces to look for when collecting vintage ironstone
Obviously, if you are out searching for English ironstone, search for the pieces you know you will use. Simple designs are the easiest to find. The most useful, I think, are ironstone pitchers, sugar bowls, platters, butter pats, and serving size bowls.
If you are the lucky shopper, you may stumble upon a cake plate, but chances are it won’t be cheap. Most thrift shops know that people are out scouting, so gone are the days you can find it for under $1-5.
I am always willing to pay for a unique piece, and you will find that sometimes at flea markets, the prices are kind of all over the place. They will be more consistent within an antique mall. I paid $30 for this bowl at a vintage show because I really liked the simple shape of it.
What can I expect to pay for ironstone
Depending upon the piece, and whether it is in perfect condition, vintage ironstone can get a little pricey. But there still are good deals out there. I have purchased small pitchers, anywhere from $5-$20. Platters can be $25-$250, depending on their age and style.
Buy what you love, and is within your budget. To me, finding the special pieces are more important than quantity, at this point. But if you are building a collection, buy what you find and you can always resell some later.
How to use your collection of ironstone
There are so many uses for an ironstone collection. Small bowls tend to be the most useful as they can be repurposed as soap dishes to jewelry holders, and everything in between. I love platters and pitchers, as those are the most useful to me.
My everyday blue and white dishes are an English earthenware called Finlandia, that matches the same creamy color as old pieces of ironstone. However, unlike old English ironstone china, it is safe for the dishwasher and microwave.
Choose pieces that you can use all over the house, or stack up and show off a collection in your home decor. Collecting to me, is about USE, not just hoarding. So choose your pieces wisely.
Is ironstone food safe?
If ironstone is newer, the bottom markings would tell you if it is okay for everyday use. Most old ironstone should be in very good condition, to be safe around food. Never put ironstone in the dishwasher. Sadly, I lost a few pieces to breakage that I really liked before I learned that lesson.
My larger pieces, like platters, I freely use but only if they are not crazing or discolored. When ironstone begins to do that, I use it only for decorative purposes.
What I look for when buying ironstone
For me and my own collection, a piece of ironstone never needs to be in pristine condition. Some of my favorite pieces have that crackled look, which I love. But as said, it depends on how I want to use them. Ironstone platters are my fave.
The restaurant ware ironstone, which is very heavy and simple, is great for building some base pieces. I tend to sell a lot in my antique booth, because I always like to find it and rotate my personal collection. So I am mainly looking for ironstone with home decor appeal.
My favorite find is this hand-painted ironstone platter that is over 100 years old. I purchased it at an antiques shop in Laguna Beach, California that is next door to my favorite shop Camps & Cottages. The dealer provided information about its heritage on the tag. This was a splurge!
Should I buy ironstone that is discolored or chipped?
Buying ironstone that is less than perfect is not a problem, but there are some things you should know. Pieces that are discolored is a preference thing. If you like it, buy it. I don’t mind the crazing and color changes that sometimes happens to old ironstone, but these pieces should NOT be used with food.
Always buy what you like. I love ironstone, but I don’t really like the kind that looks too gray in color. I prefer the warmer, creamy tones.
As far as chips go…I would only buy a piece that had a chip in it that I could hide when it is on display. And that is only if the item is super cheap, and it is special. Otherwise, pass it by.
I have a cute transferware sugar bowl that has the large handles missing. I love the color, and I paid $1 for it. Nobody notices that the flaw is there because I use it as a vase for dried hydrangeas that cover up the breakage.
When collecting vintage ironstone, where to look
It is always a good day if you ever happen upon estate sales of someone who was a collector. I have found some real deal pieces that way. But flea markets will never disappoint, as well as a favorite antique shop. Garage sales are good for random pieces.
Keep your eyes peeled at antique stores, thrift stores, and estate sales (which is my favorite place to find it). I have found beautiful pieces at flea markets and higher end vintage shows, but you will pay top dollar but with the best offerings. Shopping Etsy online will yield many pieces for your collection. It all depends on what you are looking for.
New pieces, that are reproductions, and that will look great with your old stuff, can easily be found everywhere. These will also be food safe.
A note about transferware
Transferware is ironstone with a pattern on it, and you can definitely get lost in a rabbit hole of that. It comes in many colors. I have a huge set of brown transferware ironstone, that I use in a variety of ways, but never as a whole place setting. And of course, I own many platters and dishes that are blue and white transferware.
There are so many cool patterns of transferware and the markings never disappoint. We can get into more about that later, in another post. And don’t forget to check back for more info on ironstone maker’s markings.
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Such a great and informative post, Jill! I love the blue and white transferware pieces. Heading to Davisburg vintage market next weekend. Maybe I’ll find some there!