Happy Hunting...Granite ware

by Cheryl York-Cail

Granite ware, also known as Agate or Enamel ware, is becoming a very popular collectible. This isn’t surprising given the vast number of forms, colors, and patterns produced, and the decorative appeal of the pieces.

Granite ware is the fusing of colored enamels to metal at a high temperature. When the early granite ware kettles, coffeepots and other kitchen pieces first emerged the colorful finish was applied over heavy cast iron. The homemaker must have loved the colorful, easy to clean surfaces.

These items were manufactured as utilitarian pieces, and over time would chip or develop holes. When the item couldn’t be patched again it finally ended up in the dump. As a child digging for old bottles these rusty kettles near a stonewall often signaled the site of an abandoned neighborhood dumping ground.

Like most utilitarian articles that were made to use up and not pass down, the old pieces that have survived are the exceptions, not the rule. This adds to the value of those old pieces which did survive and are in good condition. Manufacturers produced some forms less than other more common forms, and these rarer pieces conform to the rules of supply and demand.

The average person knows what granite ware is. Usually pot and pans in gray enamel, perhaps a coffee pot in gray or blue come to mind; however, most people do not realize the vast array of objects produced in this versatile ware, the number of colors produced, and the many unique patterns. No wonder that collectors are still discovering unknown forms!

In addition to the coffee pots, the kettles, the funnels, measures, spoons, ladles, soap dishes, chamber pots, and colanders; Granite ware forms include salt boxes, canister sets, oil lamps, clothes boilers, clothes irons, cream cans, advertising signs, trays, molds, pickle casters, and cook stoves.

I do not personally collect granite ware; although, I have several pieces as decorative accents in my home. However, as a dealer I have brought and sold quite a few pieces over the years. Among the pieces I have had over the years were three wood cook stoves in green and cream, gray, and pink and beige. I also have had several small gas cook stoves in stock in colors such as green and cream, red, gray and white, and black and white.

A few of the many colors that granite ware was produced in include gray, red, white, blue, cobalt blue, green, and brown. These colors are in various shades and hues. Also to add still more variety there are many patterns such as: Spatter, a splash look; Swirl, a marble effect; Mottled, in fine to large; End-of-Day, mixed colors. Other decorations such as lettering, or pictures were also used.

It is important for would-be collectors to be aware that granite ware was manufactured right through the 50s and 60s, and some granite ware is still being produced. It is important to be able to tell the difference between the old and the new. One quick test is weight. Old pieces are almost always heavier. Some older pieces will have the company name and/or trade name fired into the piece. I have found unused pieces from the 40s and 50s with paper label intact. However, I have seen pieces for sale in ‘’antique’’ shops with ‘’made in China’’ stamped on the bottom.

There are many pieces for sale in gift shops in similar forms as some of the old items; however, most of these can be identified by the weight. Usually any trip to a show or antique shop will turn up a piece of granite ware; however, the rarer and more unusual pieces are much more difficult to find. I started my search near home in some of the shops along Route 101-A

I hit the jackpot at my first stop! A colorful window display at Antiques at Mayfair featuring granite ware. This display was mostly of various forms in blues. Among the pieces in the display was a six-piece canister set with a salt box. This set was in solid blue enamel with the lettering in darker blue. The labels were in French. Also hanging in this window were several basins, kettles, colanders, buckets, a large tray and soap dish all in blue swirl and mottled patterns.

In another booth in the same shop I found a blue speckle pattern coffeepot, and two blue and white swirl pans.

A bit further along 101-A at the NH Antique Co-op in Milford I found another display of granite ware. This grouping consisted of some mottled gray kettles, a white kettle with red trim, a blue coffeepot with tin lid, and a colorful coffeepot with fruit and veggie design. These items are common and easily found in your average shop or flea market.

The most unusual piece I found on this camera safari was at Carriage Depot Antique Gallery in Amherst. This prize was a white enamel baby bathtub on a stand. Other granite ware items at this shop included refrigerator dishes, ladles, spoons, some kettles, and a green & cream wash bowl and pitcher set.

I would urge anyone interested in learning more about granite ware to read one of the excellent books on the subject, or contact the National Granite Ware Society, 4818 Reamer Rd., Center Point, IA 52213.

Until next time: ‘’Happy Hunting’’