Vintage Franciscan Dinnerware Information

Franciscan dinnerware hit the market in 1935 under the tradename "Franciscan Pottery", a division of Gladding, McBean and Company who operated in California. Within four years, they were producing around fifteen patterns of dinnerware. In the 1930, the dinnerware line was referred to as "Franciscan Ware".

The design of hand-painted, embossed dinnerware that we know and recognize today began around 1940. Since then, many other companies have made patterns in this same style. In fact, you can find modern versions being produced today that copy the Franciscan China patterns of the early days. So, what kinds of dishes actually fall under the line? 

Franciscan Dinnerware

You've probably seen or used Franciscan dinnerware and not even known it. Even though the name sounds fancy, there are some common patterns that exist and you may have seen them or used them but not realized that was what they were called. There are a lot of different patterns that fall under this category, as well as some well known brands and designers who made them. 

In 1979, an English dinnerware company, Josiah Wedgwood & Sons, LTD, acquired the Franciscan line and changed the name to Franciscan Ceramics, Inc. Since 2000, the Franciscan patterns are manufactured around the world by Johnson Brothers/Franciscan - part of the Wedgwood Group.

Inspired by desert flowers

Mary Jane Winans was a Franciscan Ware designer who carved and modeled the original Desert Rose shapes for the mold. It was raised and hand painted and then became one of the most popular patterns ever done in this style of dinnerware. We now see this pattern in many discontinued patterns as well as replicas in modern patterns. 

This same contract designer also made other patterns like the Franciscan Ivy. Many of her patterns are easily recognizable once you know what to look for. 

Ceramic tableware sets

When we talk about Franciscan dinnerware, we also have to look at full ceramic tableware sets because it went with the style. You would usually see more than just a plate setting, for example. There would also be tea cups and saucers and even a matching teapot. Some ceramic sets also had a matching serving tray. 

Franciscan Dinnerware Patterns

The two most popular Franciscan patterns are Franciscan Apple (introduced in 1940) and Franciscan Desert Rose dinnerware (introduced in 1941). Although the company has gone through many changes, including a merger and a buy out of the Franciscan line, these two patterns are still in production.

Other renowned Franciscan hand-painted patterns among collectors include Fresh Fruit, Ivy, October, and Wildflower.

You can also see designs or brands under McBean & Co. or Mary Grant, Mary Jane Winans, Charles Gladding, and Peter McGill McBean. These names are synonymous with vintage Franciscan dinner plates.

Collecting Franciscan Patterns of Dishware

If you intend to collect Franciscan tableware, I suggest that you do some studying of it. Although the patterns are similar they are produced at different plants and the pattern varies somewhat.

For instance, the Desert Rose pattern has been produced in America, England and China. The original American dinnerware version has pale pink flowers and they are brighter in the English dinnerware pattern.

Just because it is Franciscan Desert Rose, that doesn't mean that the pieces will match your set. The secret to collecting Franciscan patterns is to get familiar with the back stamp. You will find loads of Franciscan patterns when searching vintage dinnerware. Many patterns have been produced under the Franciscan name since the 1930s.

Vintage sets

Many older patterns and original sets from the 30s and 40s are considered vintage now and it's much harder to find full sets. However, there are great places to find pieces. When you are shopping for vintage pieces, be sure you know how to tell the difference in a real piece or a replica. Also be sure to educate yourself on common scams so you can avoid them. 

When buying and selling online, you can find many deals that you otherwise wouldn't be able to find. For example, you may find pieces of a vintage set you are collecting all the way across the country or even across the world. However, that's also why it's important to learn how to be safe when buying online. Reputable sites like Replacements.com also make it safer for you to shop for these pieces. 

Collecting Discontinued Franciscan Dinnerware Patterns

If the pattern you want is discontinued, there are still options. Many popular patterns that are no long in production can be found on auction sites, or at website devoted to sharing this dinnerware. Franciscan ivy, art ware and other pattern design choices can be found and collected, even if they are out of print today. 

Replacements.com is another great place you can look for discontinued patterns. Here are some that you can find there sometimes: 

• Desert Rose (USA)
• Desert Rose (England and Portugal)
• Desert Rose (China)
• Apple (USA)
• Apple (England)
• Apple (China)
• Ivy 
• Starburst
• October
• Hacienda 
• Renaissance Platinum 
• Renaissance Grey 
• Madeira
• Autumn 
• Silver Pine
• Fresh Fruit
• Huntington 
• Floral 
• Midnight Mist
• Denmark Blue
• Hacienda Green
• Sea Sculptures White
• Moon Glow
• Strawberry Fair

More discontinued Franciscan patterns 

And some other patterns I've seen at Replacements.com and sometimes on eBay. 

• Orchard Glade
• Renaissance Gold
• Duet
• Forget Me Not
• Ivy II
• Sea Sculptures Sand
• Carmel 
• Meadow Rose
• Cloud Nine
• Heritage 
• Antique Green
• Woodside
• Tulip Time
• Poppy 
• Pebble Beach 
• Café Royal
• Mariposa
• Dawn
• Jamoca
• Picnic
• Huntington Rose 
• Arcadia Gold
• Del Monte
• Nut Tree
• Country Fayre
• Coronado Off White Matte
• Tahiti 
• Platina 
• Indian Summer
• Sundance
• Vegetable Medley 
• Oasis 
• Claremont 
• Sandalwood 
• Fruit
• Pink a Dilly 
• Fremont 
• Concord 
• Pickwick 
• Rossmore
• Del Mar
• Sierra Sand
• Mesa 
• Coronado Yellow Matte
• Maytime
• Twilight Rose
• Pink Vista 

These are some popular Franciscan ware patterns that are discontinued but still available at Replacements.com.