How to Find Staffordshire Old Granite
Johnson Brothers was started in 1882 when three brothers of the Meakin china line in Staffordshire, England, went out on their own. Johnson Brothers products became popular in England and the United States because the decorations were delicate while the dinnerware itself was sturdy enough for everyday use. Some of the company's most popular tableware is known as "Old Granite" or "Staffordshire Old Granite." This dinnerware is plentiful on the secondary market and easy to collect with a little research.
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Instructions
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Look for the maker's mark. Pieces of this type of dinnerware tend to be well marked. Check the underside of a piece that you suspect is Johnson Brothers Old Granite and you should see that it says "Staffordshire, Old Granite, Made in England by, Johnson Bros."
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Find the pattern name. Because there are various types of Old Granite, you need to know the pattern name of the piece you have or the kind you wish to collect. The information should also be on the underside of the piece, along with the maker's mark. Some examples of names you might see include "Sun Up," "Orchard," "Fruit Sampler," "Hearts & Flowers," and "Cherry Thieves." Knowing the pattern name will help narrow your search.
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Know what you're looking for. Use a collector's guidebook on Johnson Brothers china to further familiarize yourself with the company's dinnerware. Because such a book tends to have only a small section devoted to Old Granite, it is better to borrow the book from the library than buy it.
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Contact a china replacement service. These companies stock older and discontinued pieces and patterns, as well as patterns still in production. Search the company's website using the phrase "Old Granite" or the specific pattern name you wish to find.
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Search on-line. An Internet auction site such as eBay is a great place to find many different pieces and patterns of Johnson Brothers Old Granite for various prices.
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Conduct a local search. Go to antique and collectibles stores in your area. Let the owners know what you want to buy, and ask them to contact you if these pieces come into the store. Also, look for Johnson Brothers china if you visit a garage sale. This dinnerware was once very popular, and many people own or have inherited pieces.
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Tips & Warnings
When shopping on-line, read descriptions carefully and pay close attention to the pictures provided. Be certain of the condition of the piece. If you need more information, contact the seller.
Check the feedback of an Internet seller. Never buy from someone with a poor rating.
Remember to factor the cost of shipping into the final price. Sometimes the shipping cost makes a piece overpriced.
