Graniteware

Graniteware is something that my husband and I have collected since we were first married.  I have always loved the different shades of the enamel and of course the varied shapes and many, many uses for which this kitchenware was designed.  I always tend to lean toward buckets with handles, and really don't mind the bits of rust here and there.  I rarely used the Graniteware functionally and never cooked or put food into dishes or pots that had rust.  I mainly use the Graniteware for display.  I have also heard Graniteware described as "Spatter Ware," or "Enamelware."  It certainly brings to mind days "of yore."

This is a close up of a pie plate or dinner plate so that you can see the "Granite."

I used to display our Graniteware on top of our kitchen cupboards. 

And I know this sounds really silly, but I tend to imagine how they were used in the past and who used them on a daily basis to haul water, pick berries, make coffee, transport milk, fry eggs or flapjacks, etc.  These Granite Ware pieces were probably an essential part of peoples' daily life!

I really like to fill the Graniteware with fall colors...

Apples for applesauce, mini pumpkins, berries.....

Indian corn, maple leaves...

and ornamental gourds galore!

This is one of may favorite buckets filled with Jonathan apples, my favorite for apple sauce.

Yes, I even have a Graniteware bed pan...I try not to think of this being used in the past!

Another favorite, a milk can with lid.

This is the shape of a small "Thunder mug," but I am not sure if that is what is was used for.  It is the only piece that has a label,  "Royal Granite Ware."   A little history:

"Enamelware existed long before the days of the covered wagon and weary pioneers. Enamelware has been around for centuries. The process is the result of the fusion of powdered glass to an object through the process of firing. Once fired, the powder melts and flows to harden as a smooth, durable vitreous coating for metal, glass or ceramics. Enamel was used in coating kitchenware because of its high tolerance to heat and cold, and could be applied to metals used in cooking – such as iron – to keep it from rusting.

                                                      1922 Nesco Royal Graniteware Ad

An add for the Royal Granite Ware, National Enamelware Company, Granite City, Illinois.

A colander...

Another favorite bucket, with wooden grip handle.  This one is filled with butternut squash.

As I said, I really like the Graniteware buckets!

Here is a large mug and ladle.

More Graniteware...

A Graniteware coffee pot.  Picture an old western movie and the cowboys making coffee over the open fire.  This type of coffee pot was always sitting over the fire to warm up those poor cowboys after a long day of herding and moving cattle on the cattle drive. 

A small sauce pan with a cannon ball gourd.

A wash pan or dish pan.  It was probably used for just about everything!

A large, deep sauce pan, perfect for mashing potatoes..

Two sizes of fry pans, each with a spout.  The handles are quite different.

A roaster, ready for a nice plump chicken with potatoes, vegetables and dumplings...I'm getting hungry!

Another larger "Thunder mug."  I am guessing this may have been used for those night time needs to avoid the cold, scary walk to the outhouse!

A pie plate, dinner plate,  platter, etc.....

There's nothing like Graniteware to bring to mind days of old....

Hope you're enjoying these cold, crisp days of fall...Thanksgiving is just around the corner!