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Ironstone Facts

Ironstone is a refined earthenware pottery that became common in the 19th century. It was an improvement over its predecessor, pearlware. Unlike pearlware, which had a bluish-greenish cast, ironstone was glazed bright white.

History
- Ironstone was first patented in 1813 by Charles James Mason in the Staffordshire Pottery District in England. Early ironstone was decorated, but by the 1840s wares were typically plain white.
British Ironstone
- Mason's patent did not last long, and by the late 1820s several other Staffordshire potters were producing ironstone china. Staffordshire became the center of ironstone production because of its abundance of high-quality clay.
American Ironstone
- Ironstone was very popular with American consumers. By the 1870s, American potteries in Ohio and New Jersey began producing ironstone for domestic consumption.
Identifying Ironstone
- To identify ironstone check for the maker's mark, which will often be present on the bottom of the pottery piece. Usually, it will simply read, "Ironstone China." However, it can be listed by other names including: "semi porcelain," "opaque porcelain," "English porcelain," "stone china," "graniteware," "white granite," and "new stone."
Collecting Ironstone
- Ironstone pottery is largely utilitarian, and collectors acquire basic dishes (plates, cups, and saucers). Look at the maker's mark for high quality Staffordshire potters such as J. &G. Meakin.

Antiquing