Collecting Vintage Kitchenware from Hall Co.
Mid-Century Teapots, Pitchers and Mixing Bowls for Collectors
Aug 21, 2009
Known for colorful and durable kitchenware, vintage pieces from the Hall Co. now attract collectors and antique dealers. The unique manufacturing process developed by the company in the early 1900s opened the possibilities for a wide line of functional service pieces. The kitchenware found today remains much the same because of the inherent qualities of the process that reduce color fading, crazing and chipping. Identifying Hall china cab become an enjoyable pursuit because it is easily recognized from a few distinctive characteristics.
Hall China Co.’s Manufacturing Process
Founded in 1903 by Robert Hall, the company based in Liverpool, Ohio started with institutional products for hospitals. The son, Robert Taggart Hall, took over the business after his father’s death and immediately put all of his efforts into a new, single fire development process. The basis of the technique actually developed during the Ming Dynasty in the mid-16th century but Hall’s process used contemporary equipment. The advantage of single firing allowed a fusion of the basic material, the color and glaze all fired at a temperature of 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit. The result was a strong product that resisted crazing and was non porous.
Another added bonus (as we know it today) is the lead free quality of the china. Because lead could not be processed at the high temperatures, the element was excluded from all of the kitchenware. An early environmentally correct process developed unintentionally.
Hall Teapots Stole the Show
From about 1910 until the early 1940s, teapots were the rage. The Hall China Co. responded by creating a large line of interesting shapes and colors. An Aladdin shaped teapot was a popular item and was available in cobalt blue, yellow, magenta and other rich colors. Some of the teapots and coffee pots were trimmed with gold or embellished with metallic highlights. For collectors of vintage Hall China pieces, the distinctive look of the teapots is easily identifiable and many pieces in good condition tend to be available in antique shops.
Hall China Markings
Fortunately for collectors, the Hall China Co. used a clear and legible method to mark their wares. Some variations are found but typically the word “HALL” will always appear on the underside of each piece. Additional markings may include “Superior Quality Kitchenware” and “Made in U.S.A.”. The Hall Co. manufactured items for Westinghouse, General Electric and Hotpoint as promotional products and some pieces contain those marks.
Hall Kitchenware Serving Pieces
Many kitchens of the mid-twentieth century were stocked with serving pieces made by the Hall Co. Casserole dishes, mixing bowls, refrigerator boxes and other functional kitchenware can be found in a variety of patterns. Some of the more readily available patterns include a Cadet blue with white rose patterned handles, a solid white with rose handles, Chinese red, and a variety of yellow shades.
One of the easier patterns to find today is the “Autumn Leaf” pattern, a distinctive look with a cream colored background and orange, rust and tan leaves and flowers. These pieces were designed to be collected by housewives throughout the country and include a full range of dishes, serving pieces and accessories.
Hall salt and pepper shakers are easy to identify because of the large size, sloping handles and functional design. Originally meant to be used and displayed in a kitchen rather than on a formal dining room table, these accessory pieces are unique and highly collectible.
Hall Co. Today
Hall China continues to operate in Liverpool and produces wares for food service and retail customers. Although some of the original shapes including the donut and ball shaped pitchers have been reintroduced, new markings designate the newer products. The colors used in the original pieces are also distinctive. Purchases and information can be obtained online.
 |
 |
 |
