Pfaltzgraff Housewares - A Beginners Collecting Guide
Immigrant Craft Beginnings
The Pfaltzgraff tradition of pottery started in the early 1810s when German immigrant George Pfaltzgraff and a few family members began making stoneware and redware pottery in the York area of Pennsylvania. They produced utilitarian housewares such as crocks, jugs, and pots until 1913. The natural clay deposits in Pennsylvania helped them create the grey salt glaze and redware vessels necessary for food storage. Pfaltzgraff also made some art pottery between 1931 and 1937 and the first kitchenware.
Collecting Vintage Pfaltzgraff
Collecting vintage Pfaltzgraff pottery can be a fascinating hobby for those interested in American ceramic history and design. Pfaltzgraff is a well-known stoneware pottery brand produced in the United States since the early 19th century. The company is known for its distinctive designs and high-quality craftsmanship.
To start collecting vintage Pfaltzgraff pottery, it is important to research the different types of pottery produced by the company over the years. You can find information about Pfaltzgraff patterns and designs in pottery collecting guides, online forums, and antique stores.
When looking for pieces to add to your collection, it's important to keep an eye out for pieces in good condition. Look for items that are free of cracks, chips, and other damage. If you're interested in rare or hard-to-find pieces, be prepared to pay a premium for them.
One way to find vintage Pfaltzgraff pottery is to visit antique stores, flea markets, and estate sales. You can also find pieces for sale online through auction sites like eBay or specialty pottery retailers. Some collectors also trade or sell pieces within online communities and forums dedicated to Pfaltzgraff collecting.
As you build your collection, consider displaying your pieces in a way that showcases their beauty and history. Some collectors choose to display their Pfaltzgraff pottery on shelves, in glass cases, or on decorative stands.
Popular Pfaltzgraff Patterns
Pfaltzgraff has produced numerous patterns over the years, some of which have become highly collectible. Here are some of the most popular vintage Pfaltzgraff patterns:
Yorktowne: This pattern, introduced in 1967, features a blue floral design on a beige background. It has become one of Pfaltzgraff's most recognizable and beloved patterns.
Village: This pattern, introduced in 1976, features a charming Early American-style design rendered in dark brown against a light brown background. It is a popular pattern among collectors with a rustic, country feel.
Folk Art: This pattern, introduced in 1980, was Inspired by the early salt-glazed pottery Pfaltzgraff produced during its early years. Folk Art features a rustic but graceful blue design set against an earth-tone background.
Heritage: This pattern, introduced in 1963, was created by designer George Briard in 1962. It features an eye-catching 12-sided shape that is beautifully understated and elegant. It is the oldest dinnerware pattern still produced today.
Heirloom: This pattern, introduced in 1984, features a design of gray and white flowers on a white background. It has a classic, romantic look that appeals to many collectors.
These are just a few examples of the many patterns produced by Pfaltzgraff over the years. Each pattern has its own unique design and history, making collecting Pfaltzgraff pottery an endlessly fascinating hobby.
Tips for Dating Pfaltzgraff Pieces
Dating vintage Pfaltzgraff pieces can be challenging, as the company has produced a wide range of designs and patterns over the years. Here are some tips for dating vintage Pfaltzgraff pieces:
Look for back stamps: Pfaltzgraff pieces are typically marked with a back stamp that includes the company name and sometimes the pattern name or number. Comparing back stamps to a reference guide gives you a general idea of when a piece was produced.
Pay attention to design details: Different designs and patterns were produced during different time periods. For example, earlier designs may have simpler or more traditional motifs, while later designs may be more modern or complex. By familiarizing yourself with the styles and motifs of different periods, you can narrow down the possible production dates of a piece.
Check for imperfections: Handcrafted Pfaltzgraff pieces may have subtle variations in color, shape, or texture. If you notice small imperfections, it could be a sign that the piece was made during an earlier, more artisanal period of production.
Research the history of the pattern: Some Pfaltzgraff patterns have been produced continuously for decades, while others were only produced for a short time. By researching the history of a particular pattern, you can get a better sense of when it was produced and how rare it is.
Seek out expert opinions: If you're having trouble dating a piece of Pfaltzgraff pottery, consider seeking out the opinions of experts in the field. You can consult antique dealers, collectors, or appraisers specializing in Pfaltzgraff pottery to better understand its age and value.
Stoneware Hallmarks
Early pieces were marked "Pfaltzgraff Stoneware Co. LTD York Penna."
In the 1930s, a large "P" and "YORK" were used.
In the 1960s, a mark of the Pfaltzgraff family castle appeared on the back of pieces.
Dinnerware Names
Gourmet Oven Ware and Provincial Gourmet appeared in the 1940s and '50s.
Heritage, the oldest dinnerware pattern still in production, was introduced in 1963.
The Yorktowne pattern began production in 1967.
