June 16, 2012

~Farm Style, Country Style~

Graniteware, made from a variety of metals with enamel coating derives its name from its appearance. The speckled, swirled, or mottled effect of the various colored enamel resembles the patterns of granite.

Graniteware's many virtues made it a popular and economical choice for cooking in the 19th century. It was "colorful, easy to clean, durable, and did not rust."

What is the difference between graniteware and enamelware? Graniteware is a form of enamelware. It is made by applying a paper with an oxidized pattern on it to a piece of enamelware that was not yet dry. This process gives graniteware a pattern resembling granite. Enamelware is made from an old process of coating metal with porcelain. It became popular during the 1800s. Graniteware was featured in 1876 at the Philadelphia Expo.

Some of the more unusual and rarer colors include cobalt blue and white, green and white; especially the “chrysolite” variety, brown and white and red and white swirled items. Decorated items are uncommon; as well as children’s pieces and salesman’s samples.

I purchased a wonderful collection of graniteware and enamelware~many are unusual pieces in hard-to find colors. Please stop by Vintage Gal Antiques and check it out!

Colorful selection including rare brown/white colander and some nice examples of Chrysolite pieces.
Variety of grey graniteware, mottled, speckled and swirl patterns.  Unusual teapot and flask on middle shelf. On lower shelf, an example of Manning Bowman teapot with metal breast and lid rest on handle-extremely rare.