Another short entry

Been another looooong week at the 9 to 5, mentally exhausting really, so again a lack of posts this past week.  I won't bore you with details or too many complaints, but let's just say: working there sucks at the moment.

Now on to what this blog is really about, learning about antiques and collectibles, it's time to show you another item and briefly discuss. Today it's actually about a line of items from a well known company, Pfaltzgraf, The Muggsy line.

Set of six Muggsy Mugs by Pfaltzgraf

The "Muggsy" line of giftware was introduced in the late 1940's and was extremely popular. This line of comic characters contained mugs, cookie jars, bottle stoppers and ashtrays, etc.  All the pieces were given names, and the line continued in production until 1960. The earlier production, like those in the photo above, had protruding and painted features. Later production had painted features on a flat surface. The original six character mugs, all six of which are shown above, were named Handsome Herman, Pickled Pete, Flirty Gerty, Cockeyed Charlie, Sleepy Sam and Jerry the Jerk. There soon followed other pieces such as a cookie jar (Derby Dan), a what-not jar (Handy Harry), a clothes sprinkler (Myrtle the Sprinkler), and many other pieces. The pieces were all designed by a gentleman named Norman Jessop.

Marks on bottom of mugs

These are a fun collectible, not common but not exceedingly rare either, but always interesting. Some pieces are more difficullt to find than others, Myrtle the Sprinkler being one of the more difficult (I've only seen her once for sale). This line is pretty extensive, and a complete collection would make quite a display.

Pfaltzgraf itself was started in the 1800's in Pennsylvania making redware, then stoneware crocks and jugs. In the 1920's they made yellow ware and spongeware. 1930's and 1940's they produced stoneware for the kitchen. The first line of dinnerware did not appear until the 1950's. This line called Gourmet Royale, was simular to lines made by other companies at that time (McCoy, Hull etc.) a high-gloss, solid color ware accented by a patchy white rim.

Pfaltzgraf is very collectible, and the lines are extensive, making collecting this ware a true treasure hunt, with unusual pieces popping up now and then. Most of us know and recognize the dinnerware lines of Heritage and Folk Art, which seem to alway be available somewhere, flea markets, tag sales and our mothers cupboards.

Got more to say, but just got a call from the 9 to 5, looks like another Saturday fixing an issue and it's month end, so I'll continue this later!

So start something new today, and start a collection! Have a good day and I'll see you later!