How to Collect Enamelware

Enamelware dates back to the 1870s when it was sold in catalogs and offered for sale in certain types of shops. These pieces were used frequently because they were more lightweight and came in more patterns and styles than other materials such as cast iron. There are a lot of things to look at and decide before you start to collect enamelware.

Instructions

1. Choose a specific color that you want to collect. Enamelware came in many different colors such as red, blue, purple, brown, green, white, pink, and gray. Most collectors focus on finding pieces of a specific color. Blue, purple, and red are the more rare colors and pieces in these shades are often more expensive.

2. Consider collecting patterns rather than colors, as pieces with patterns are often harder to find and therefore are worth more. Swirls and speckles were the two most popular types of patterns. You can also find patterns that mimic chicken wire and checkerboard, as well as a style that combined several different colors and was achieved by mixing glazes left after a batch was created.

3. Buy pieces based on the manufacturer. Granite Iron Ware, which was a line produced by St. Louis Stamping Company, and Agate Iron Ware from Lalance & Grosjean are the two most popular companies. However, you'll also find pieces from other companies and some without an identifying mark or logo.

4. Learn how to identify an older or antique piece from more modern-day pieces created during the 1960s. Older pieces used wood on the handles, knobs, and other useful decorations, while modern-day pieces use plastic. You should also look for riveting along the bottom--pieces with smooth edges were made in factories.

5. Look for items that show signs of use, which indicate that the pieces are older, but that are still in good condition. As these pieces were frequently used by families, it's normal to find small dings or chips in the pieces. In the more rare items, this doesn't detract much from the value.

Tips & Warnings

• Diversify your collection by choosing a mixture of pieces instead of just one specific item. Most collectors of enamelware buy pieces ranging from kitchen utensils to large stockpots.

• Enamelware is also known as "graniteware." Some antique stores and online shops or auction houses list these pieces as graniteware rather than enamelware.

References

• Collecting Vintage Enamelware
• Collecting Vintage Enamelware and Graniteware
• Enamelware Collection