Collecting Metlox Pottery can be a fun and rewarding hobby. Metlox Pottery was produced from 1929 to 1989, making it a significant part of American ceramics history.
Metlox Pottery is known for its high-quality, colorful, and often whimsical designs. The company's success can be attributed to its ability to adapt to changing consumer tastes and trends.
To get started with collecting Metlox Pottery, it's essential to have a good understanding of the different types of pieces and their production periods. This will help you make informed purchasing decisions and avoid common pitfalls.
A good place to begin is by identifying the different Metlox Pottery marks and signatures, which can be found on the underside or base of the pieces.
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Metlox Pottery Details
The name Metlox Pottery is a combination of metal and oxide, elements used in the glazing process.
The company converted its plant to produce ceramic dinnerware after business declined in the Depression.
T. C. died in 1931, which led to the change in the company's focus.
Metlox Pottery was renamed from its original name after the conversion.
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Collecting and Valuation
Collecting Metlox Pottery can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it's essential to understand the market and value of your pieces. The most popular Metlox pattern is Poppytrail, also known as the 200 series.
Buyers of Metlox dinnerware patterns are primarily individuals looking to replace broken pieces from an inherited set. Since Metlox is not dishwasher safe, new collector interest is minimal, except for Modernist accessories and dinnerware patterns.
To determine the value of your Metlox Pottery, you can use online resources like WorthPoint, which has over 425 million "sold for" prices with item details and images.
Price Guide
Metlox pottery is a highly sought-after collectible item, especially for those who appreciate California pottery from the mid-20th century.
The value of Metlox pottery can vary greatly depending on the piece, its age, and its condition. A rare 1930s Poppytrail Romanelli Zodiac 8" Leo Vase, for example, can be quite valuable.
Some Metlox pieces are more valuable than others due to their rarity. The 1930s Poppytrail Romanelli Zodiac 8" Leo Vase is a prime example of this, as it's a rare find from this era.
The age of the piece can also impact its value. A Metlox piece made in the 1940s, like the Miniatures by Metlox No. 130-G Chinese man figure, can be more valuable than one made in the 1970s.
Some Metlox pieces are more valuable than others due to their condition. A Mint condition P-725 Metlox piece, for example, can be worth more than one with chips or cracks.
The popularity of a particular design can also impact the value of a Metlox piece. The Poppytrail design, for example, is highly sought after by collectors.
The value of a Metlox piece can also depend on its rarity. A pair of Metlox California Candlesticks, for example, can be more valuable than a single piece.
Some Metlox pieces are more valuable than others due to their unique features. A Metlox Carriage Horse Drawn Pottery Buggy Wagon, for example, has a unique green brass feature that can increase its value.
The value of a Metlox piece can also depend on its age and condition. A rare 1988 Metlox PESCADO Fish Casserole Dish w/ Lid, for example, can be more valuable than a less rare piece from the same era.
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The popularity of a particular design can also impact the value of a Metlox piece. The Poppytrail design, for example, is highly sought after by collectors.
A set of 1970s Metlox Potteries Poppets By Poppytrail Figurines, for example, can be more valuable than a single piece due to its rarity and condition.
Identification & Value
Collecting and valuing Metlox pottery can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you're looking to enhance or replace broken pieces from an inherited set.
Buyers of Metlox dinnerware patterns are primarily individuals looking to complete their inherited sets, so if you're in this situation, you're not alone.
Metlox made dinnerware in several hundred patterns, but Poppytrail was the most popular, also known as the 200 series.
The Poppytrail pattern was made in various colors, including powder blue, opaline green, satin ivory, peach, petal pink, satin turquoise, and pastel yellow.
New collector interest in Metlox is minimal due to the fact that it's not dishwasher safe, but Modernist accessories and dinnerware patterns found on shapes lines such as Tempo are an exception.
To find the value of your Metlox pottery, consider using WorthPoint, the largest online resource for identifying, researching and valuing antiques, which features over 425 million "sold for" prices with item details and images.
Marks
Older Metlox pieces often have incised rather than stamped marks, which can be a clue to their age.
Unmarked pieces tend to have less interest to collectors, so it's worth looking for marks to identify your piece.
The most common Metlox mark is "METLOX" in an arch above a five-pointed star.
There are many different marks for the popular Poppytrail pattern, including one with the pattern name written on a 45-degree angle across an outline of the state of California.
Another Poppytrail mark features a flower with the phrase "MADE IN / CALIFORNIA / Poppytrail / POTTERY / BY / METLOX" written around it.
Some Poppytrail marks also include the name of the specific pattern, which can be a great way to narrow down the identification.
The Vernon Kiln mark is another distinctive mark found on some Metlox pieces, featuring the words "VERNON KILN" in an upper arch and "BY / METLOX" in the center.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Metlox Pottery still in business?
Metlox Pottery is no longer in operation, having closed its doors in 1989 after 62 years. The site is now occupied by other businesses, including the Shade Hotel.
What metlox pottery was recalled?
Metlox pottery recalled includes the California Poppytrail Tempo and Mission Verde Series, as well as a portion of the Petalburst Metlox Vernonware Series. The recall was due to lead leaching concerns.
What is the history of Metlox Pottery?
Metlox Pottery was founded in 1921 as Proutyline Products Company and operated under various names until 1989, producing a wide range of dinnerware and artware products. The company's history spans nearly seven decades, with a rich legacy of ceramics and design.
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