Oh, my gosh – I absolutely love this floral vintage china pattern! It’s a creation of the Pope-Gosser China Company, an American company once located in Coshocton, Ohio. The Pope of the company was I. Bentley Pope, a master potter who immigrated from England and the Gosser was Charles Gosser, a jeweler from the area. Their company, Pope-Gosser China Company opened in 1902 and ended production in 1958.
During their five+ decades of production, Pope-Gosser made beautiful china. They earned a reputation for making elegant yet durable china, creating a market beyond the shores of America. According to the Ruby Lane Blog, some of their artful pieces are displayed in the British Museum. The company survived the Great Depression by joining the American Chinaware Corporation which lasted for only two years. After its bankruptcy, the Pope-Gosser China Company reorganized and began producing some less expensive dinnerware patterns that were marketed in dime and hardware stores. Finally, in 1958, Pope-Gosser China Company closed it doors, partly due to the influx of cheaper china from post-war Japan.
Alas, after searching online, I couldn’t find the name of this quintessential vintage pattern. The only clue about its age was the mark on the back. This passage indicates it must be from the late 1920s – 1931.
“In 1920, the lettering on the mark was changed again to ‘POPE-GOSSER CHINA’ in all capital letters. Pope-Gosser began including “MADE IN U.S.A.” in the late 1920s through about 1931.” – Ruby Lane Blog
We also have a pattern in our Southern Vintage Table collection from Pope-Gosser China’s final decade. Although I don’t have the exact date of its production, again the mark gives a hint, “Futura.” Ironic foreshadowing, I’d say, as it was most unfortunate this company’s future ended soon after in 1958.
These lovely, vintage Pope-Gosser China patterns are available from our Southern Vintage Table‘s china collection! And, we’ll be on the lookout for more from this vintage American china company!
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
I have a 12 piece plate setting of Pope-Gosser made in the 20’s called Blue Belle, do you know about what its worth? It also trimmed in gold.
Hi Dave! I checked out your pattern on Replacements and it is lovely. Check them up! http://www.replacements.com/webquote/POPBLB.htm