CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It’s now officially fall, with all the glory of mums and changing landscapes. And Burton Antiques Market, 14373 N. Cheshire Court in Burton, is the perfect autumn spot for outdoor shopping on Saturday, Sept. 25.
Floral china can be beautiful way to embrace the season. Back in the early 1900s, Larkin Soap Co. of Buffalo, N.Y., began offering Azalea China by mail order. They developed “The Larkin Idea,” offering a premium club plan. Members who bought soap could also buy many other selections. The Azalea China by Noritake was the starting point.
Larkin was so successful in bringing products to the American home that it hired Frank Lloyd Wright to design its administration building in 1903. Not only was it functional, it was extravagant -- just like the special premiums the company offered: a Morris chair, Buffalo pottery and a Chautauqua desk. And, of course, the china.
The Azalea pattern was offered from 1917 to 1940. The earliest marked china has a blue rising sun with a Nippon mark. During this period, the azalea blossoms were a lighter pink. The next mark is the “M” in a wreath and, under the Japanese symbols, numbers 193221 in green or red. The last declared mark was “Noritake, Azalea patt.” with a sprig of azalea and “Handpainted,” Japan. Serial numbers on the back were 19322 and 252622 in red print.
During World War II, the Noritake factory was destroyed and all records and patterns were lost. So, if you have a place setting of this china, you have a piece of history!
Hi Brenda,
I have a few items that may be of value and I need your opinion. The Currier and Ives glasses are from the 1950 to 1960s, with a total of 16, small and large sizes. Sealtest sold their dairy products in these Cinderella-styled glasses. I have five from the 1940 to 1950s. Lastly, the Charles Dickens limited edition plate and presentation box. Are they best sold at an antique shop, garage sale or donate?
A reader,
Cleveland
Hello Dear Reader,
Your collectibles are now vintage ware, and could be sold online or through a local shop. The Currier and Ives frosted glasses would carry a value of $6 per glass, while the Sealtest Cinderella set would be valued at $20. Spode of England made the Charles Dickens limited edition plate in 1970, commemorating the centennial of his death. It is in mint condition, with a value of $45.
If you have an item for evaluation, send a clear picture with history to Yenke Peddler, Brenda Yenke, P.O. Box 361633, Strongsville, Ohio, 44136. You may also email photos and information requests for Brenda to evaluate at kenyenke@aol.com.
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