OF WHAT OUR DAUGHTER, STACY,
COLLECTS AND SELLS.
| EUROPEAN ENAMELED WARE GALLERY & HISTORY by Stacy (McArdle) Sardelli
The process of enameling likely began with ancient Egypt & China. Germany began enameling over metal in the 1760s in order to improve common kitchenware. Soon, mills in other European countries began to develop and master their own enameling techniques. Austria, France, Belgium, and England were great contributors. However, Germany was the European country that continually produced the largest amount of household enameled ware throughout the 1800s & 1900s. The enameling trend carried overseas to the United States. A large amount of European enameled ware was exported to the States. In addition, several U.S. companies thrived, as early as the 1850s, due to their own production of enameled ware.
The enameling process required several steps and, in the beginning, most of the work was done by hand. The metal had to be cut. Then the metal had to be cleaned and prepared for the glaze. Handles and spouts had to be formed and attached by either riveting (early pieces) or welding. The enamel glaze, known as 'frit', would have to be mixed and made ready for the dipping process. Pieces needed at least one coating of glaze, often more. The dipping would be done by hand, with a dipping tool, or by machine.
It was typical in 19th century Europe for common household items to be manufactured with a great deal of adornment and beauty in mind. Flowers, birds, butterflies, landscapes, and other creations of nature were often the key subjects of early enameled ware pieces. Many of the European pieces from the mid to late 1800s were hand-painted by skilled artists. As time went by, decals and stencils were often applied.
 Art nouveau stylized pitchers, unusual-shaped French pitcher w/ hinged lid, German teapot w/ raised floral design, rare 'Germaine' napkin ring, & a French Ca. 1880, hand painted plate.
 Rare: Personalized napkin ring & opera-themed portraits. |
 Czechoslovakian coffee set & salt box.
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