Vintage Enamelware Takes Us Back

Enamelware is a trip down memory lane. White jugs with blue trim and laundry tubs with red trim all bring us back to a simpler time. It's a part of the farmhouse country look.

What: Vintage items made of enamelware include ladles, coffeepots, jugs, strainers, jelly moulds, measuring jugs, bread tins, sauce pans, laundry tubs, chamber pots, garbage cans, canisters and trays. There is also a large supply of reproductions of these items available. Look for reproduction laundry tins, canisters and bread tins from major retailers.

History: The Egyptians and Chinese treated enamelling as decorative art. It was only during the 18th century that the Swiss and Germans began to use enamel to cover cooking utensils. By the middle of the 19th century, companies in the United States and Europe were producing enamelled kitchenware.

Process: Long before Teflon and other protective finishes, enamelling was the hot new thing. Prior to enamelling, food was cooked in non-porous, glazed stoneware that was better suited to baking. To cook foods at high temperature the cookware needed to be made of iron. Coating iron with a porcelain enamel created an easy to clean, sanitary and chemical resistant surface. This was a great technological advance.

Colours: A lot of enamelware is white and is often trimmed with blue, black or red. Some enamel can be found in red, yellow, blue, orange and brown. Part of the charm of these vintage collectibles is their bright colours.

Use: Enamelware is used today for display and the tins, tubs and trays are still used for their intended purposes of storage or serving.

Condition: Vintage enamelware is likely to have glaze or hairline cracks and chips. Not to worry though because collectors expect to find chips. Items without chips are harder to find.

Original Labels: Original paper labels still intact increase the value of enamelware, as they help verify authenticity.

Price: Starting at $5 for certain items and they are still plentiful.

Sources: Garage sales, flea markets, antique fairs, EBay.

Care: Hand wash enamelware in hot soapy water. Avoid very hot burners, abrasive pads and cleaners.

Martin Swinton owns Take-A-Boo Emporium, an antique shop located in Toronto, Canada. He does furniture restoration, caning and rushing repairs, custom reproductions, upholstery, teaches courses on antiques and does appraisals for estates and community events. He can be reached at 416-785-4555 or by visiting http://www.takeaboo.com

---

Home Decorating & The Smaller Place

"Big Things Come In Small Packages" We're all familiar with... Read More

An Introduction to Wood Stoves

Wood stoves are like small fireplaces. They are inexpensive and... Read More

Are Candles Safe?

I love candles! I have candles of all shapes, sizes... Read More

Buying Down Alternative Comforters

When the frigid winds of winter arrive, many people turn... Read More

The Benefits of Laminate Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo, a grass once conjuring up images of Pandas and... Read More

The Importance of Bunk Bed Mattresses

Bunk bed mattresses are perhaps the most important kind of... Read More

Using Color To Change The Size Of Your Bedroom

Did you ever wish your bedroom was bigger or smaller?... Read More

The Benefits of Waterbed Sheet Sets

It is a good idea to purchase a full set... Read More

Futon Slip Covers Protect While Adding A Decorative Designers Touch!

Futon slip covers do two things. Number one and most... Read More

Bollywood Boudoir... On A Budget

"Bollywood" is the next really big thing in interior decor.... Read More

The Benefits of Quartz Cuckoo Clocks

Unlike windup cuckoo clocks, which require rewinding every one, two... Read More

Wrought Iron Baker?s Rack: Beautiful and Elegant

When it comes to home accessories, baker's racks have long... Read More

A Look at Edible Fruit Baskets

By their very nature, all fruit baskets, especially the original... Read More

A Guide to Wine Picnic Baskets

Wine picnic baskets are just the ticket for two, four,... Read More

Tribal Persian Rugs

Tribal or nomadic rugs are produced by nomadic and semi-nomadic... Read More

Installing Granite Countertops

Granite is not only the hardest material available for countertops;... Read More

Getting a Grandfather Clock at a Discount

Whether it is a basic bong-bong-bong or a thrilling symphony,... Read More

A Look at Outdoor Ceiling Fans

A ceiling fan used outdoors, such as on a covered... Read More

Decorating on a Shoestring Budget

Right now one of the most popular shows on television... Read More

Creating A Cozy Spot

Having a warm & cozy spot to snuggle up is... Read More

Warm And Cozy Down Comforters Will Turn Your Bed Into A Luxurious Sanctuary!

Down comforters provide you with a luxurious natural warmth that... Read More

Beach Theme Bedroom

Using accessories is a fun way to accent your bedroom... Read More

Wood Baker?s Rack - Add Style to Your Kitchen

Is your kitchen or dining area missing that little bit... Read More

Great Tips for Choosing Furniture

You're finally going to do it! No I don't mean... Read More

The Advantages of Ionic Exchange Water Softeners

It can be difficult to decide which method for softening... Read More

The Convenience of the Portable Massage Chair

Human resource officers have, over the past decade or so,... Read More

Faux Wood Mini Blinds

Though wood blinds and shutters are the most popular window... Read More

Kids Ceiling Fans

There are ceiling fans designed especially for children, which have... Read More

Where to Find Cuckoo Clock Parts

In some places, one might be able to find old... Read More

A Guide to Bathroom Remodeling

There is a reason why many Hollywood actors keep their... Read More

The Advantages of Wooden Wine Racks

Wood wine racks provide the best storage system for a... Read More

Decorate Your Home for Joy Using Design Psychology

What Is Design Psychology?Design Psychology exceeds "traditional" interior design practice... Read More

Using Psychology of Color to Influence the Mood of a Room

The living room is the setting which will blend the... Read More