Vintage Desert Rose Franciscan Earthenware

Based on research, this lovely pattern was designed by Annette Honeywell (1902-1959), inspired by the pink rosa rugosa flower.  It was first introduced in 1941 by Gladding, McBean & Company, known for producing casual dinnerware in the style of Mexican folk pottery.   It became increasingly popular due to advertising by well-known movie stars and in 1964, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy chose the Franciscan Desert Rose for use in the White House! (www.thebrooklynteacup.com).   There is significance to the numbers embedded in the stamp on the back of the dishes; the first number identifies the artist who painted the piece and the second signifies the year of production!  The pieces included in this set have the logo that looks like a rounded rectangle, sometimes referred to as the “TV screen” which until the 70s, were stamped with brown ink (www.tutuhut.com).  Interestingly, Desert Rose Franciscan Earthenware was produced in the United States until 1984, when production was moved to England.  Finally, production moved to China from 2004 until 2013 when it was discontinued.  The plates in this collection have the USA backstamp and are numbered ‘66, ‘67, and ‘68.  Desert Rose Franciscan Earthenware is certainly part of American history and lifestyle culture!

Included in this 27 piece lot:

*8 small plates (8 inches across)

*6 dinner plates (10 and ⅝ across)

*4 small bowls (5 and ⅞ inches across; 1 and ¾ inches tall)

*6 rim soup bowls (8 and ½ inches width; 1 and ½ inches tall)

*1 coffee pot with lid (8 and ⅞ inches tall)

*1 oval divided vegetable bowl (10 and ⅞ inch long; 7 inches wide)

*1 gravy boat with attached underplate (8 and ¾ length; 3 and ¼ inch height)

*6 tea cups

These dishes are vintage 1960s and show some minimal signs of wear given their age.  One of the dinner plates has a chip and a small crack.  The gravy boat has two small chips on the underplate and some regular wear around the base.