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In our last article, we discussed whether or not popular antique collectible dishware known as Franciscan Ware in the pattern “Desert Rose” is still available for purchase. We also talked about where to get your hands on some of the original pieces.
Desert Rose is beautiful dishware, however, not all of these antiques are worth the same amount of money, and some may not be worth very much at all.
Here, we’ll explore how Desert Rose pieces are valued and how to determine the make and age of Desert Rose China and dishware.
Value
When assessing the value of a Franciscan Ware piece, it’s important to consider a few factors. Not all of the dishware and ceramics are created equally, and when hunting for new items to add to your collection, you’re bound to run into price discrepancies. The two most important factors that determine the value of the piece you’re buying, or selling, are age and rarity.
- Age
Desert Rose was a pattern produced by Franciscan Ware in California beginning in 1934. Since then, however, the company has gone through many iterations in regards to production and location of production over the years. From 1934 to 1984, the dishware and ceramics were produced in California. In 1984, production moved across the pond to England, and then to China after the year 2000. But what does all this mean for the value of pieces?
Well, original ceramic and dishware made in the USA, especially that which was made early in Franciscan’s history in the 40’s and 50’s, will sell for a far higher price point than the dishware produced recently overseas. Not only does the age give it vintage value, but the quality is much higher than that recently produced in China. California and even England-made wares featured raised-relief and hand-painted patterns, something that cannot be said for the modern-day equivalents.
A simple dinner plate that is aged between the 40’s and 50’s can easily sell to collectors for up to $20 apiece, whereas modern sets made in China will charge just a few dollars a plate. Whether you’re a collector or a seller, it’s important to recognize the age of your piece, as it will go a long way in determining its worth.
- Rarity Of The Piece
As is seen with most antiques, rarity plays a huge part in the going price set for an item. With Desert Rose ware, common sets or dishes are unlikely to sell for more than $10-$20 apiece or over $100 for a set. However, if you are looking to buy or sell rare pieces, you will see market values increase remarkably.
Rare pieces of Franciscan Desert Rose are usually determined by the length of the run in production. In other words, items that were produced for a shorter period of time are harder to come across, and therefore rarer. These items include, but are not limited to, candlesticks, ashtrays, bells, and various pitcher sizes, all of which had a far more limited production run than plates, cups, or saucers. These rare pieces often sell for more than $100 apiece.
Verifying Dates and Authenticity
Because there are so many different eras of Franciscan Ware, it’s important to know what you’re looking at if you’re trying to buy or sell Desert Rose dishware. Thankfully, there are a few indicators that let you know if what you’re looking at is from the 40’s, 50’s, 80’s, or today.
- 41’-58’: Pieces from this era will be marked with a stamped black ink. Some pieces that are larger may include “California” in the stamping as well, and the stamp will generally include “made in the U.S.A.”
- 58’-76’: Pieces from this era are typically stamped with a logo that looks like a rounded rectangle, sometimes referred to as the “TV Screen”. Until the 70, pieces were stamped in brown ink, changing back to black ink again in the early 1970s.
- 76’-84’: Pieces from this era are stamped with black ink, and the word Franciscan including the trademark “Flying F”
- 85’-early 2000’s: These pieces are part of the English production, and will be stamped accordingly.
- 2004-present: These pieces are made in China and will likely be void of any real identifying marks as to the location of production. You may see a pink flower stamp on the back of the piece.
It’s important to keep in mind that knock-offs will not include this signature stamping. Looking for inconsistencies in quality and design is also key to spotting an unoriginal Desert Rose piece. Before purchasing or selling, be sure you have dated your piece as accurately as possible, as it will reflect the true value of your item.
When purchasing more expensive pieces, especially from individual sellers on resale sites such as eBay, knowing the dating and history of the dish or ceramic you are buying can help ensure that you are not an upcharge. Alternatively, it will prevent you from undervaluing the collection you may already own.
Desert Rose dishware that is not either particularly old, or particularly rare can be purchased for affordable prices in consignment stores, sites such as Replacements.com, and eBay. Whether you’re looking to create an entire collection or fill in gaps in the set you’ve inherited from Grandma, a little digging can almost always pay off.
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the pieces from my friend’s mother’s set has a completely different stamp then the ones you have shown. I’d be curious to know what era her set is from.
I have the old California Desert Rose dishes by Franciscan! Looking to sell. They are WWII year!
1946 to 1953. Would like help selling them.
Where are you located and how many pieces of that vintage year do you have.
If you have found anyone, let me know.
Do you still have this set?
I have a set of the Rose Fransican dinner ware. Looking for an estimate on value if any and where to sell if possible.
I need help selling my Desert Rose Dinner set. Can anyone point me in the right direction please🙏
George Vonnoh
Gvfsu@aol.com
If you know what the stamp looks like on your set, check out Ebay. They have all sorts of pieces plus tea pots, etc.
I have 2 sets of apple and one set of rose. They were given to my grandmother when she married. She was born in 1917, and married in the 40’s. Would be interested in selling as well, I think.
I have a few pieces of the Desert Rose 1940’s plates, tea cups, saucers, vegetable bowl, oval plate, creamer and sugar set. Wondering what the value is and how to sell. Father passed away and need money to pay off his debts. Thank you for any help
i passed my Franciscan ware onto my daughter ( which she was thrilled with ) I have always loved it and used it every day. Recently, my daughter told me that she had heard that the Franciscan ware might have been made with something harmful. Have you heard this?most of my dishes I bought in the late 60’s. …how do I find ou5 more about this?
Sincerely,
Ellen Cady
Google Taste of Home
It might be time to trash your Corelle dishes. If you go down on that article Franciscan dishes are listed too. I have a whole set of the Apple pattern and plan on writing to the company .
Please don’t spread unnecessary alarm until you fully understand the reason. It’s lead in the glaze but it’s baked into the glaze at extremely high temps and is safe to use to store and serve food.
I would never put my Desert Rose in the dishwasher, oven, or microwave, just to be on the safe side (just my personal opinion).
Why trash corelle disheware
I was bummed out to find out some of my vintage pieces had lead . I haven’t tested them all yet. Perhaps, the current pieces, while not up to quality standards as the vintage ones are safer to use ? I really want to use them . Sad
I have a set that was given to me by one of my grandmother’s friends, several years ago. Most of the pieces have the mark from the 50’s, but several only have a number on them, without the logo. Do you know anything about that?
What is my desert rose teapot worth? It has raised flowers, hand painted I’m sure & has an F in black ink on the bottom with the number 33 bellow it in black ink also, it has what looks like a 64 way above the F stamped in black ink.
I have a the desert rose sets that do not have any of the stamps shown above, plus has 2 engravings on them. Any help with value would be greatly appreciated. 🙂
I have a large set of Franciscan ware desert rose china — teacups and saucers, small dinner plates, large dinner plates, serving dishes, a gravy dish, teapot, two drink pitchers, rose petal salt and pepper shakers, cereal bowls and soup bowls. Probably around eight place settings. Also, dinner glassware that are hand-painted with the desert rose. Some of the stamps just say “Franciscan BHHD Made in California USA Hand Decorated” while others say “Franciscan Earthenware Oven safe/Color fast along with a serial number (e.g 3269). Or “F USA 31” or “Franciscan Made in California 21005”. There are even some replacement dishes that indicate they can be inserted in a microwave that must have been purchased in the 70’s or 80’s. Most of the pieces, however, appear to be from prior to 1954. Where is the best place to market these dishes online?
I have many many pieces with just numbers on the back. Does anyone know the value, if any?
I am looking to sell 10 complete serving sets with dinner plates, salad plates, soup bowls, cereal bowls, tea cups and saucers, a cream and sugar set, a serving platter, and a serving bowl. Most have the made in USA 58-76 year stamp. All the soup bowls and three place settings have the made in England Stamp.
Why trash corelle dishes
I inherited mine from my 97 year old mother in law. It’ has an entirely different marking from any you displayed. How can I find out it’s age and value?
We bought 2 complete services for 8 plus many side pieces. ie gravy boats, cream and sugar etc. Bought in Las Vegas during close out made in USA. Still in original boxes and packing. Curious as to value
I bought my set in 1969 to 1971
Does it have worth?
juliefegley@yahoo.com