One Last Treasure (or two)

I've been writing a lot about finds, treasures, and collections this week...

Ironstone collections also seem to be a popular trend lately, and I've spotted a lot of them in my blog-reading. I really admire the simplicity of ironstone -- and especially love ironstone pitchers.  When my sister-in-law and I ventured out the other day, I told her that I might be interested in starting a collection like that.  As we scoured the antiques mall, I looked for anything that might resemble one of these pitchers.  Admittedly though, I knew little about them -- like what markings to look for.  So, I wasn't sure I would make a purchase even if I found something I thought might qualify.

Until I got to one of the last vendor booths in the mall, that is.  That's when I saw it.  A sweet little white stoneware pitcher... of some kind.  It was pretty, and in good condition.  I turned it over, and saw this:

and I called out to my sister-in-law, "I FOUND it!"  This one came home with me.  I just couldn't resist another Buffalo connection!

When I got home, I got on the internet and found out a little bit more about Buffalo China.

"The Buffalo Pottery Company was established in Buffalo, New York, in 1901.  It was an offshoot of the Larkin Soap Company, which was founded in 1875."  [and where, by the way, both my grandmother and my great-aunt worked!]  "John Larkin and his brother-in-law Elbert Hubbard conceived Buffalo Pottery to make dishes that could be purchased with certificates from Larkin Soap.  In essence, the company was a gimmick to sell more soap.  Buffalo Pottery produced many different kinds of pottery for commercial use in hotels and railroad dining cars, as well as art pottery that is popular with antique collectors."  (source)

I also learned that the Buffalo Pottery Company was reorganized in 1956 and was renamed Buffalo China -- which is currently owned by the Oneida Silver Company. (source)

My best guess is that my little pitcher was made around that time, as many earlier pieces actually include a picture of an American Bison in their markings.  As you can see, mine does not.  I was able to find some dating information HERE that leads me to believe that my item was made in December of 1956.  If anyone has more information on Buffalo China and it's markings or dates, I'm all ears!

I'm so glad I grabbed this treasure.  I had heard of this china before, of course, and knew of the connection to Buffalo -- but I didn't know it had anything to do with the Larkin Soap Mfg. Co.  It sure pays to do a little investigating!

Have you chosen your collections -- or have your collections chosen you?

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And now... the second "treasure" I want to share with you today is this: my sister has started a blog!  She has a lot of great insights about parenting (she has three amazing special-needs kids), and loves to chat about decorating her home and making it a cozy place for her family to live and make memories.  Stop on over and visit her at Still Keeping On The Narrow Way and tell her Sally sent you!  You'll make her day.