Bipartisan mugs by Frankoma Pottery are collectible
Q. I have a small collection of political mugs that were made by Frankoma Pottery. This is a photo of the 1992 Democratic donkey. It stands 5 inches tall; it is decorated with a shiny mauve glaze with a white interior; and it is in perfect condition. Marked on the bottom are the words "Frankoma - U.S. Pat. DGO5-739." Included in my collection are the following Republican mugs: a matte black 1971, a cream 1973 and a Richard Nixon-Spiro Agnew matte brown 1979. The Democrat mugs are a matte brown 1978 and a matte green 1978.
What can you tell me about my mugs?
A. University of Oklahoma professor John Frank started his pottery in 1933 in a small studio in his home in Norman, Oklahoma. In 1936, he moved his studio to Sapulpa, Oklahoma, a region that was rich with red-brown clay. Many pieces were inspired by the southwest Native American culture. Frankoma dinnerware that was introduced in the late 1930s reflected the heritage of the Mayan and Aztec tribes. The elephant mug was created for the Womens National Republican Club in 1968. The donkey mug was added in 1975. Each year, a mug representing each political party is produced in a different color. The president and vice president names are added during an inaugural year.
Your mugs might be worth $10 to $25 each.
Q. Enclosed is the mark on the bottom of an ironstone pitcher I own. I know the piece was made by Jacob Furnival & Co. in Staffordshire, England, from 1840 to 1870. I am interested in anything additional you can tell me about the pattern, "Medina," which I believe is a town in Italy. I am especially curious to know what other pieces are available in this pattern. I have found evidence of a sugar bowl. My pitcher is in great condition; there are no chips or cracks.
A. Jacob Furnival & Co. operated in the Cobridge area of Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire, England, from 1845 to 1870. Your pitcher is an example of transferware, and it was also produced in blue and mulberry. The line included butter dishes, plates, platters, pitchers, soup bowls, creamers and sugar bowls. The scene of people along the riverbank, mosques, large fountain and ships was inspired by the city Medina. It is a holy city located in Saudi Arabia also called "the radiant city."
Your ironstone pitcher was made around 1845 and would probably be worth $125 to $150.
• Address your questions to Anne McCollam, P.O. Box 247, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Items of a general interest will be answered in this column. Due to the volume of inquiries, she cannot answer individual letters.
© 2017, Creators Syndicate