Franciscan 1940s Casserole Vegetable Dish, Desert Rose (USA)

Early to mid-1940s USA backstamp, and rather than the stamped decorator-number that was used in later production, this piece was incised with the artisan's mark prior to glazing and firing. One of several pieces that we acquired at an estate sale, this particular decorator's brushwork is simply the most beautiful that we've ever seen on Franciscan Ware.

Franciscan DESERT ROSE (USA) Covered Casserole (also known as Round Covered Vegetable Dish). On the bottom and on the inside of the lid: Hand-incised signature/markings (see the photos). Pontil marks, and backstamp that reads: "Franciscan Ware, Hand Decorated, Made in California, U.S.A."

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SPECS: Measures 10.0" handle to handle, 4.75" base to top of finial, weight is 2 lb 7 oz. Excellent condition for a piece of this vintage, but there are a number of small manufacturing defects / glazing anomalies: A single 2mm by 4mm "miss" on one handle, several misses on the other handle, one on the rim, and four tiny ones on the finial (possibly fleabites, but they look more like glazing defects to us), please carefully study all of the photos provided.