Another variation that many collectors don't know about is the poppy Smiley - and of course, some it doesn't matter but for those of you like me that cherish any variation on these jars - there are two versions of the pink poppy - one had five decals, the other seven. To me these are different jars!
The most unusual sale on Ebay this past month was the Valencia place settings - including silverware which collectors had not been aware of - I am not a collector of Valencia only because pre Ebay days it was next to impossible to ever come across a piece let along amass a collection of it - it makes such a spectacular display and was Shawnee's line to those who like Fiesta Ware. Unfortunately it never took off like Fiesta and therefore very difficult to find. I compromised and went with the Metlox Poppytrail Colorstax dinnerware - made in the 60's to early 80's.
The auction description tells the story. Novice collectors cannot appreciate the significance of this set.
"You are bidding on a 24 Piece starter dish set with 18 pieces of matching stainless steel silverware. They are all in excellent condition with no chips or cracks. Service for four consist of four glasses, four tea cups, four saucers, 4 bread and butter plates (6-1/2"), 4 Dinner Plates (9-3/4"), 4 sauce dish (5"), in Tangerine, Blue, Green and Yellow. This set was an exclusive from Sears Roebuck & Co and shipped by Shawnee Pottery Company from Zanesville, Ohio. We have the original box that it was shipped it along with a brochure of the Valencia dishes. These dishes have never been used and each is marked with a tag that says Valencia Oven Proof. The silverware consist of 8 spoons, 4 forks, 4 knives, 1 butter knife & one serving spoon."
Doug has a possible lead to additional information on the bank we heard about in the last newsletter. Hopefully by next month we'll have more information to add.
Keep in touch everyone and remember this newsletter needs everyone's participation!!!
