Bob recently went to an out-of-town auction in search of furniture that he could fix up and resell. No luck there, but he called to say he had bought a white soup tureen for me. I was thinking it would be ironstone.
I have read that ironstone is a pottery, usually English, produced as a harder, stronger alternative to porcelain.
This tureen, however, has a mark on the bottom indicating that it is from the Haviland factory and marked France. The Kovel's Dictionary of Pottery and Porcelain Marks says that this particular mark is from 1876 for whiteware.
Wonderful ribbon details and in perfect condition!
So, is it ironstone or china?
When Bob told me over the phone he had paid $25 for it, I thought "Oh, My!! That's a little high."; but in doing some research on the mark later I discovered it could be worth 10 times that. But then, an antique is only worth what someone is willing to pay. When he got home with it, I definitely thought it was worth the $25 in beauty alone!
I'm linking up to the following:
From My Front Porch to Yours for Treasure Hunt Thursday
Have a Daily Cup for Share Your Cup Thursday
Common Ground for Be Inspired Friday
The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday
The Dedicated House for Make It Pretty Monday
Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday
Vintage On A Dime for Welcome Home Wednesday
Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday
I'm linking up to the following:
From My Front Porch to Yours for Treasure Hunt Thursday
Have a Daily Cup for Share Your Cup Thursday
Common Ground for Be Inspired Friday
The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday
The Dedicated House for Make It Pretty Monday
Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday
Vintage On A Dime for Welcome Home Wednesday
Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday
17 comments:
That is GORGEOUS. I'd say Bob outdid himself with that one. I love it- xo Diana
Beautiful ironstone! Thanx for sharing your treasure at THT.
Oh Sally, that is so beautiful. What a fantastic find and what a sweet hubby to bring it home to you.
BTW I love the song "Still" also. It's one of my favorites.
xo rachel
Hello i'm visiting via Daily Cup and was intrigued by your title.
Interesting little read thank you. I always wonder about these little differences. I like to collect ironstone pitchers, and a friend had asked me what ironstone is. Hmmmm. I wasn't actually able to answer. I know I do like pottery, shall we say, to be white or cream and not grey toned.
Your soup tureen is gorgeous. I may have to branch out to pieces like yours.
Sue xo
I can't help with the difference, but I must say this is lovely! I think Bob has a good eye!
hugs, Linda
Sweetness!!
I've often wondered about the difference myself, and keep meaning to ask Yvonne, over at StoneGable. Maybe she'll see this post and comment before I get around to asking her. But, regardless of what it is, one thing is certain--it's a beauty!! What a find! ~Zuni
Be still my heart! What a beautiful tureen.
That is a beautiful piece! It would be interesting to see what you could sell it for, if you could part with it. I always think that, but really who wants to sell their very prettiest things?! Hope you are having a good weekend :)
xo, Andrea
Gorgeous tureen and Bob did a great job with it! The $25 for it it's a steal! Hugs,
FABBY
The ribbon is so delicate! Great find!
I'm not sure which it is, but I know it is a fabulous find! Just beautiful! Hope you can stop by the enchanted oven.
xo,
Lisa
That is a beautiful dish and a good price for it. I found this link that explains a bit about the differences, but doesn't mention ironstone:
http://reviews.ebay.com/Pottery-China-Porcelain-What-is-the-difference?ugid=10000000000014875 and then this one does describe ironstone http://www.whiteironstonechina.com/careandcleaning.htm
So hold your dish to the light and if you see your hand's shadow, it's porcelain. If not, it's probably ironstone. I hope this helps.
The test with the light shining through is what I have always heard. Who cares! It is beautiful. Love the ribbon detail.
It really is a beauty Sally. Ironstone or China I'd take it any day. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
It looks like porcelain or French faience to me. What a lovely dish! You couldn't buy a new piece of that quality for $25.
Either way it is stunning. I love your tureen. Gorgeous. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty
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