Frankoma pottery dating

How do you identify Frankoma Pottery?

Frankoma pieces made since 1954 sport a red clay from Sapulpa, Oklahoma, while older wares were formed with a tan-colored clay dug at Ada, Oklahoma. Using source names, Sapulpa and Ada, along with glaze colors and item styles, collectors can identify and date Frankoma Pottery. The Great Southwest served as inspiration for many Frankoma works.

When did Frankoma Pottery start using red brick?

Pieces made during this timeframe will have a light, sandy hue. During 1954, Frankoma Pottery began using red brick colored clay (now called Sapulpa clay) from Sugar Loaf Hill, Oklahoma. This red brick color is definitive of pieces made from this time through early 1980.

How did Frankoma Potteries get their name?

Grace Lee made the suggestion that because they were the only commercial pottery in Oklahoma, they should use their last name Frank and add the letters O, M, and an A for Oklahoma for the name Frankoma Potteries.

Does Frankoma Pottery contain lead?

The Frankoma Family Collectors Association website reported getting many queries about lead being an issue when using this pottery for food service. In its frequently asked questions section, the site assures readers that food and Frankoma do indeed mix well.

How can I tell how old a Frankoma piece is?

Dating Frankoma pieces is fairly simple. Look at the bottom of the piece. First, if the clay used appears to be a tan color, then it was created pre-1955 from Ada clay which was mined near the southern Oklahoma town of Ada. After 1955, most pieces were produced from the local Sapulpa red clay.

What colors does Frankoma Pottery come in?

While most people think of Frankoma pottery as being produced in the popular colors of Prairie Green and Desert Gold, Frankoma produced many items in Woodland Moss, Brown Satin, Peach Glow, Clay Blue, Red Bud, Sunflower Yellow, Robin Egg blue and other colors.

How did Frankoma Potteries get their name?

Grace Lee made the suggestion that because they were the only commercial pottery in Oklahoma, they should use their last name Frank and add the letters O, M, and an A for Oklahoma for the name Frankoma Potteries.

Does Frankoma Pottery contain lead?

The Frankoma Family Collectors Association website reported getting many queries about lead being an issue when using this pottery for food service. In its frequently asked questions section, the site assures readers that food and Frankoma do indeed mix well.

Is Frankoma dinnerware safe to use?

Generally speaking, most Frankoma dinnerware made prior to the year 2000 contained lead. After that year, the US government banned leaded glazes in dinnerware. Our opinion is that older Frankoma dinnerware containing lead is safe to use as long as it is in good condition with no chips or crazing.

What happened to Frankoma Pottery?

Frankoma closed in 2010 and assets of the company, including the remaining pottery on hand, were sold at auction to satisfy lenders in 2011. As of 2012, however, select Frankoma pieces were being manufactured and sold by a licensed limited partnership doing business online only.

How do you identify Frankoma Pottery?

Frankoma pieces made since 1954 sport a red clay from Sapulpa, Oklahoma, while older wares were formed with a tan-colored clay dug at Ada, Oklahoma. Using source names, Sapulpa and Ada, along with glaze colors and item styles, collectors can identify and date Frankoma Pottery. The Great Southwest served as inspiration for many Frankoma works.

Does the Frankoma Pottery Company provide appraisals?

The Frankoma Pottery Company does not provide appraisals. However, values can be obtained from ebay.com and value reference books. Is my Frankoma Dinnerware microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe? Regardless of age, Frankoma dinnerware should first be inspected for chips and crazing.