Frankoma
Family Collectors Association tell us Frankoma Pottery consists of two types of clay, those made from the clay in the Arbuckle Mountains
of Oklahoma –
called Ada Clay, used from 1933 to
1954. And then those manufactured starting late 1954, when the company switched
to a brick red firing clay near Sapulpa,
Oklahoma. This clay was extracted
from Sugar Loaf Hill and is referred to as Sapulpa clay. This mineral rich clay significantly
changed the appearance of many of the glazes, especially the rutile ones
(Prairie Green, Woodland Moss, Peach Glow, Desert Gold, Brown Satin).
The Great Southwest
served as inspiration for many Frankoma works. The factory formed pitchers
shaped like wagon wheels, attractive boot-shaped vases and interesting Native
American masks over the years. Even their dinnerware patterns have a western
flair.
Two of their most
recognizable glazes are named Prairie Green and Desert Gold. In fact, many
people associate Frankoma entirely with their medium green glaze that seemed
rather dated and unattractive until recently. Today, the popularity of these well made pieces has returned to new heights. Since both these colors were used
extensively over the years, it's the
type of clay used in the piece rather than the color of the glaze, which
determines value in this instance - the Ada Clay being the most valuable as it is older.
The
products we offer are in the Prairie Green glaze probably from the Ada Clay as they were purchased by my parents during the very early 1950’s. These
wagon wheel dinner plates are in great condition and measure 10 ¼ inches in
diameter. Five plates available at $15 each.
Frankoma Pottery carries on the tradition today of quality hand-made pottery - which will be tomorrow's collectible treasures!