Manufacturer: TEPCO
Pattern: Early California
Distributor: National Restaurant System
Date of plate: 1931 – 1968
Notes: Below is an excerpt from an article written by Joseph Heaven, originally published in the American Craft Magazine, Aug/Sept 1982:
"The Technical Porcelain and China Ware Company is now a part of California history, but at its height John Pagliero's 'Pottery' could produce 30,000 dishes a day …
"At one point Pagliero offered 25 airbrushed patterns and over 30 tissue transfers; underglaze decals with custom logos were also available. Many of the standard patterns were western in theme: Branding Iron, Wagon Wheel, Ox-Head and Western Traveler. An Early California series commemorated scenes of state history from the Spanish missions to the forty-niners. Keeping the spirit of Mark Twain alive, a Calaveras County hotel ordered custom table ware for the Celebrated Jumping Frog festivals, including a slip-cast frog whose gaping mouth held toothpicks. It is possible that Pagliero, a naturalized Westerner, was unaware of the tongue-in-cheek humor of some designs. For example, a guest at the White Log Tavern, finishing his plate of rare roast beef, might find himself staring down into a wagon train scene with the caption "Donner Party 1846."
White body compartment plate with dark red design of California historical scenes, depicting early pioneers, forty-niners and Spanish missions. The Early California design was also produced in green or cobalt blue on a white body or brown transfer on a tan body.
For related info:
Early California 2