Granite Ware...Where?

You've seen the pieces in country kitchens. They may be prevalent in the memories of your elderly relative's homes. Some people know the line as purely functional. It has enhanced many a pot of strong coffee and roasted the turkeys of many Thanksgiving feasts. Others seek the rustic beauty as a means of establishing a collection reminiscent of days gone by.

Granite Ware is a collection of kitchen utensils, plates, containers, and cookware stemming from the late 1800's. Often used to keep foods like bread fresh, they also stored items like sugar, salt, spices, and coffee. Originally presented at the 1876 Philly's Expo, it derived its name from its spotty appearance resembling the stone. Back then pieces cost about 15 to 20 cents each. They now garner good prices in the world of Americana antiques. Some pieces sell for hundreds of dollars.

Also referred to as enamelware, vintage Granite Ware pieces were made prior to 1940. A key to recognizing vintage pieces are the multiple layers of enamel, which is thick and glossy to the touch. The older pieces are much heavier than those made post-1940. Some were made on a steel base, while others were made from cast iron. The cast iron pieces are thick and very heavy.

Granite Ware is still abundant in most New England regions. In fact many owners of vintage pieces have little to no idea of their value. It is not uncommon for pieces to turn up in yard or estate sales for a very few dollars. This makes for a nice profit when these items are added to the inventory of select antiques dealers.

With the cost of homes rising in New England, more and more homes and estates are going up for sale. The contents of these places are often pocket change for the sellers. It is within the numerous boxes of pocket change that exceptional pieces of Granite Ware are found.

Granite Ware roasting pans and large coffee pots are found at yard or estate sales, and often purchased for as little as $1-$10 per item. Once cleaned up and ready for re-sale, the dealers sell these items at an enormous profit.

The clean-up process can be tedious. Most dealers recommend using Easy-Off Oven Cleaner-the original product, not the newer ones for microwaves or boasting no fumes. Rust remover is not recommended for clean-up, especially on blue pieces, as the high surface gloss on these pieces can be eaten away easily with strong cleaners. Vinegar is a safe and natural cleaner, but the process is lengthy. Dealers caution against using hydrogen peroxide, as it is way too strong for most old enamel finishes. A product called Mendit is most commonly used in the repair of holes in Granite Ware.

Pristine pieces of Granite Ware are sometimes still used in cooking today. However most pieces are purchased by collectors and displayed within homes or businesses. Popular pieces include colanders, skimmers, pots, baking pans, roasting pans, coffee pots, pie plates, wash basins, and ladles. The most popular color of Granite Ware is a bluish-gray, with brighter blues available, too. Green is a bit harder to find, as it wasn't made in the quantity of the original color. Brown Granite Ware is rare and is considered a unique find. It is, of course, more expensive for collectors to purchase, but its unusual color makes it a popular choice. Also priced higher than the gray-blue is brilliant red and white French.

Select pieces of Granite Ware garner upwards of several hundred dollars in the right market. Collectors are warned about turning down pieces because of patches of rust. Although the rust does imply that the pieces should no longer be used as actual cookware, they are still exceptional pieces for display collections. "Mendit" and touch ups with enamel paint can mask the mars.

Granite Ware originated in Europe, and was once a staple in most European kitchens. It crossed the ocean during the late 19^th century, and United States manufacturers began production. It was the manufacturers who realized that coating steel with these colorful finishes made not only useful household containers, but interesting accessories as well.

Factors raising the value of Granite Ware include raised lettering, domed lids, or contrasting trim color.

Also referred to as enamelware, many manufacturers now make reproductions of the originals, in a larger variety of color schemes and pieces. The reproductions are identified easily, as the weight of each piece is significantly less than the originals. The new pieces aren't finished in enamel.

Books are available as detailed guides for Granite Ware collectors. "The Collector's Encyclopedia of Granite Ware Colors, Shapes, and Values Book 2" by Helen Greguire is a recommend resource. Another is "Granite Ware: Collector's Guide With Prices, Book II" by Vernagene Vogelzang and Evelyn Welch. Both are available in major bookstores and at Amazon.com.

Granite Ware is apparently a tried and true source of Americana style that will never die. And the limited recognition of its value makes it a viable collection for antiques enthusiasts of all budgets. Prospective collectors should set their sights on yard, estate, and garage sales. Peruse the weekend papers and be up and ready to roll first thing on Saturday morning. Adding to the collection in reasonably priced increments will result in a nostalgic collection of significant value.