history of enamelware and graniteware

[Laurel]

Could anyone head me in the right direction to find out the history of enamelware and graniteware? I think enamel started in Europe then migrated to the US but I haven't been able to find a definate date or country of origin. I believe that granite wear was patented in 1874 in the US but again I haven't found specifics. If someone could point me in the right direction I would be eternally gratefull. We have a civil war event coming up at Wade House end of this month and I need documentation to back up our guidelines.

Betsy ;D

[Robert Braun]

Laurel, the general consensus among Civil War researchers is that, while small amounts of enamelware were known and available in the U. S. prior to the Civil War, their distribution was widespread and very fragmented. These goods were simply not sufficiently represented in the United States to be presented as part of a "period everyday common" civilian impression. other names for the products-- graniteware, agateware, etc.-- appear to be more like brand names or variants on the enamelware concept. "Spatterwear" or "cobaltware" are the names usually associated with that nasty blue with white flecks stuff you see in the camping section of the big-box stores, that some folks figure is "jest fine" for reenacting, which IMHO it most definately is not prior to say 1880.

No doubt you have seen this discussion www.shasta.com/suesgoodco/newcivilians/faq/qenamelware.htm and similar links. I disagree with trying to mask or hide non-period items, as is advocated in this piece. The time and money spent in purchasing the incorrect item and then disguising it to sort-of look like a period piece would IMHO be better spent in purchasing the correct item from the start.

See also www.oldcoffeeroasters.com/images/ManningBow/History/manning_bowman_agateware_history.htm

And here's another link, in which the discussion gently chides CW reenactors for their use of enamelware: whatscookingamerica.net/Q-A/CastIronHistory.htm

On an unrelated note, cast iron pans and cookware are another challenge. See whatscookingamerica.net/Information/CastIronPans.htm I disagree with the author's comments on the use of oil for seasoning. An old-school ordnance sergeant once taught me that grease is the only effective product to use on metal parts and surfaces. I have seasoned lots of cast iron cookware, "dutch ovens" and the like over the years with Crisco, beef tallow or lard and never had a problem with the seasoned surfaces "going bad."

Best of luck in your search...

Bob

[richw]

If I remember correctly, porcelain/enamel door knobs were patented in 1854, including the brown "agate" pattern.

They are made essentially the same way as cookware.
See:
www.antiquedoorknobs.org/mineral%20knobs.htm

[Laurel]

Thanks for the info. I've found that Frederick and William Niedringhaus visited Germany in 1874 and bought the process of coating cookware. The first piece of graniteware produced in the US was April 10, 1874. I'm still looking for a date it was first produced in Europe.

Betsy

[Robert Braun]

laurel said:

I'm still looking for a date it was first produced in Europe.

Betsy

Laurel... preliminary investigation reveals that Brimingham England was a primary center for European enamelware production in the eighteenth century.

"The most prominent Birmingham enameler was Matthew Boulton (1728–1809), a leading English engineer and manufacturer. His firm, Boulton and Fothergill, produced some of England's finest gilded bronze and brass or ormolu mounts and ornaments for furniture..."

Hope this helps...

Bob.