Is Franciscan Ware still being made?

The Franciscan brand became part of a group of companies known as WWRD, an acronym for "Wedgwood Waterford Royal Doulton." WWRD continues to produce the Franciscan patterns Desert Rose and Apple.

Is Franciscan Ware worth anything?

The value of Franciscan line, Apple pattern dinnerware, made in 1940 to 1953, range from $3 to $110.

Is Franciscan Desert Rose still being produced?

Today, Franciscan Desert Rose dinnerware is no longer in production in the United States. The plant in Southern California was closed in 1984, after the Franciscan division was bought over by Josiah Wedgwood & Sons, Ltd., in 1979, and production was moved to the United Kingdom.

Is Franciscan Apple still made?

American production of Franciscan Ware ceased in 1984, following the announcement to relocate all Franciscan production to England. Franciscan Apple pattern is still made today under the Wedgwood Group.

Is Franciscan Ware safe to use?

Franciscan China is generally (and consistently) VERY high in lead. I highly recommend not having any in your home and not ever using for food use purposes. If you want to keep one piece on hand to remind you of your grandmother (or of a time gone by!)

Lead Poisoning: Danger in Dinnerware

Can you put Franciscan dishes in the dishwasher?

Franciscan Apple 10.5" Dinner Plate - Freezer, Microwave, Dishwasher Safe.

Can Franciscan Ware go in the oven?

A new round mark featuring the Franciscan arch at its top as well as "Made in California U.S.A. Hand Decorated Gladding, McBean & Co." and OVEN-SAFE was used from 1953 to 1958. OVEN-SAFE is also found on later Franciscan stamps.

Where is Franciscan Ware made?

Franciscan Ware was produced at the Glendale (later Los Angeles) plant, which began life as the Pacific Art Tile Co.

How much is Franciscan Desert Rose china worth?

Typically more than 500 pieces of Franciscan's Desert Rose are offered on eBay each week. At its price peak, a five-piece place setting of Desert Rose sold for between $40 and $45. Today, a good price is $25 per place setting.

Is Franciscan Desert Rose made in England?

These dishes were made in California until 1984, when the Franciscan brand was sold to Wedgewood in England and the production was moved to Staffordshire, England.

Can Franciscan earthenware go in dishwasher?

Microwave and dishwasher safe, this tableware is durable enough to use every day. Franciscan Ware Apple was produced from 1940 to 2011.

Does Franciscan Madeira contain lead?

Franciscan Earthenware Madeira Pattern Dishes: 67,300 ppm Lead. [90 ppm Lead is considered unsafe in children's items.]

Is Franciscan Desert Rose considered China?

WWRD is an acronym for "Wedgwood Waterford Royal Doulton." The Franciscan patterns Desert Rose and Apple continue to be manufactured under the Franciscan brand by WWRD in China.

How old is Franciscan Rose?

Desert Rose by Franciscan. The Desert Rose pattern was first manufactured in the early 1940s, and it is the best-selling American dinnerware pattern in history.

How do I find my Franciscan China?

Companies identify their products with marks. Marks are often referred to as back-stamps or bugs. These are marks used by Gladding, McBean & Co.

Does vintage china contain lead?

Many of the old glazes used on antique or vintage china contain some level of lead. If your china is highly decorated or multicolored, there is a better chance that it contains lead glazing or decorations using lead.

When was Franciscan Ivy made?

Franciscan Ware Ivy was produced from 1948 to 2003.

Do Franciscan Starburst dishes contain lead?

ALL FRANCISCAN POTTERIES pieces I have EVER TESTED have had a similarly high level of Lead. They also normally leach Lead when tested in a lab.

When did they stop using lead in china?

If you are using dinnerware manufactured prior to 1971 or manufactured in another country, be sure there are no cracks, chips or damage to the glaze finish where lead can leach out, and look for a label that says it is safe for food use. You also can purchase home lead test kits and test them yourself.

Which is better stoneware or porcelain dishes?

Stoneware Is the Most Durable Dinnerware Material

Although porcelain is actually stronger than stoneware and can be crafted into thinner pieces, stoneware tends to make a more durable choice for dinnerware. Everyday pieces from almost any era are most likely to be stoneware, while fine dining items may be porcelain.

Can gold rimmed china go in the dishwasher?

Gold-rimmed glasses and plates, vintage bowls and dinnerware, and gold-trimmed flatware should only be hand-washed to maintain their beautiful finish and value. And while ceramic and porcelain may seem vintage, they're safe to put in the dishwasher just as long as they aren't hand painted.

Are vintage ceramics safe?

Vintage ceramic dishware like clay pots, cups, and plates from overseas may have high levels of lead that can contaminate your food. While lead poisoning is mostly associated with dust and chips from old paint, ceramic dishes and lead-glazed pottery can also pose serious health risks.

Can you put platinum rimmed china in the dishwasher?

If the china has a delicate gold or platinum gilding, you may not want to run them through the dishwasher, as these decorations can fade or react badly to high heat. Most china that is twenty years old or more are too delicate for the dishwasher or have patterns on them that are considered vintage.

Can you get lead poisoning from dishes?

Other sources of lead, such as lead in paint or soil, are much more likely to be a problem. In some cases, however, lead in tableware can be a serious health threat. Some dishes contain enough lead to cause severe lead poisoning. Even dishes with lower lead levels may contribute to a person's overall lead exposure.

What brands of dinnerware are lead free?