Ironstone Can Be Easy Money

Antique Johnson Bros. Royal Ironstone China Chamber Pot available at Sea Witch Antiques for $179

Have you seen any stark white pitchers, plates, or platters at almost every sale you attend? We might even pass them by without a second thought. Some of us have poured buttermilk from these pitchers at out grandmother’s house. I know I did, so how valuable can they be? These items were used by farm families, and certainly not the upper class. But, you might be surprised at what the fetch in price today.

These common items were meant to be used daily back then. But, if you see any of these at the next sale you attend, it might be worth you while to take a look at them before you walk on by. Jug, Pitchers, Chamber Pots, (I doubt many people under the age of 30 know what one of these is] and Pitcher and Bowl sets are bringing fair money in today’s market. As I researched for this blog, I was amazed to find many pieces bringing $200 to $400. Some Ironstone is unmarked, but a lot of the pieces do have the word “Ironstone” on them. But, you won't have to worry about what it is. You’ll know it when you see it.

In England and America, starting about 1813, is where these pieces were made. A great number of companies produced ironstone in the early days, because these wares were needed for everday living. Companies such as Johnson Bros., Mason's, and Meaken Bros. were common household names to most people back then. Back when I was a youngster, broken pieces of ironstone were thrown into the gully, used to help stop erosion.

What’s interesting to note about Ironstone, is that somewhere along the line, a decision was made to decorate it to help fancy up the average household. When this happened, transferware was created to imitate the expensive painted pieces that most people couldn’t afford. Soon, these companies were making Chinese reproduction patterns in the famous Blue Willow and Flow Blue decorations.

If you think back, I said I would offer you examples that would help you in the early stages of your million dollar race. These are items that you can be used to buy, sell, and build up you cash account. The white pieces are still fairly and reasonably priced, so you can still turn them for the percentage profit we want to maintain. But, let me assure you, there are decorated items in the Ironstone that will bring well in excess of a $1,000. I've seen sets of plates in the Chinese patterns sell for as much as $125 a plate. When you buy 12 plates for $20 each, you’ll feel like you’re walking on air as you walk out the door of that house sale.

There are still items to purchase that will propel us along the way in our own individual race. Just remember that it isn’t a sprint. The first one out of the gate usually doesn’t win the race. I can see that old turtle now.

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See the fine paintings we have listed in our gallery like the Texas Bluebonnet painting by William A. Slaughter. Works from Robert Woods, William Horton, Tom Darro and more. Our Hannah Barlow decorated Doulton Lambeth Vase is superb. Take a look here.

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