Franciscan Apple (American Backstamp)
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All About Franciscan Apple China
Brand: Franciscan Pattern: Apple
Manufacturer Status: Active In Production: 1940-1984
Description: Earthenware, Sand background, Red, green and brown apple motif, Multiple Backstamps Theme: Fruit
Dishwashing Method: Dishwasher Safe Secondary Market Value: Very Good Best Uses: Formal and Informal
This Apple pattern has been manufactured since 1940 by the Franciscan China company, based in US and later acquired by the WWRD Group. Franciscan Apple is one of the most popular patterns of a long time china stalwart, Franciscan. There are three backstamps. The first is the American backstamp featured from 1940 through 1983, followed by the England backstamp from 1984 through 2003 and finally from 2004 to the present, the "apple" backstamp, made in china. This sturdy pattern is dishwasher, freezer and microwave safe which has led to it's well deserved reputation of ease of use and flexibility. While made in America, Franciscan was headquartered in California and has made two patterns continuously, Apple and Desert Rose. The name "Franciscan was chosen to honor Claifornia's founding priests.
The apple pattern was the first china pattern by Gladding McBean to have hand-painted decoration on an embossed body. They have been beloved the world over by collectors and enthusiasts, due in part to it's warm colors and feel of perpetual fall as well as their lightness relative to most contemporary patterns.
Our favorite Franciscan Apple pieces are the salt and papper set as well as the fruit dessert bowl.