Update: PLEASE READ!!!!this story was written a few years ago and I have no interest in buying more Liberty blue and there’s really no way to help you sell your collection. Try ebay or a local antique store. – this is only my joyful story! DO NOT LEAVE COMMENTS trying to sell or buy here!!!
I’ve been collecting Staffordshire’s Liberty Blue patriotic dinnerware (technically, it’s ironstone) for a few years. And although I pull it out year round, it especially looks nice around Independence Day.
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The blue and white pattern was made in 1976 to celebrate the USA’s Bicentennial and served as a give-away incentive for a Savings and Loan, and then later, a grocery store. Each piece depicts one of 15 different historical scenes. The soup bowl above, shows Old North Church. The main dinner plate has a beautiful scene of Independence Hall.
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I had relatives who fought in the Revolutionary War, so I think it is an interesting pattern to collect.
Here’s our old family friend Betsy Ross on the little fruit bowl.
The top left is a hard-to-find small oval bowl that is labeled, “Minute Men” and shows the father grabbing his musket, heading out the door to defend his new country.
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The platter on the bottom is a large 14″ scene of George Washington crossing the Delaware. This is a special piece because it was given to me by the family of my sweet neighbors who had just passed away. It was a thank you to me for being their friend. I kept it on my shelf for years as a reminder of them before I ever decided to collect this pattern, and didn’t even realize this was part of the set until I happened to glance up at it one day and think . . . hey! I guess it planted the subliminal seed for the entire collection!
This butter dish is my favorite piece I own, because several years ago, my son rode his bicycle downtown to Fairhope Antiquery and bought it himself with his own money and gave it to me for Mothers Day. Of course, it helped that the owner of the Antiquery, Jennifer, knows him and was a big help. That’s one of the benefits of shopping locally!
A ten year old boy, with a pocketknife and bag of bugs in his pocket, who knows how to pick out antique dishes for his Mom. He’s going to make a fine husband one day!
This is the elusive “Valley Forge” luncheon plate. It’s the most expensive and most difficult to locate. And of course, it’s my favorite. I only have one of these my Mother found. One!!! How can I go on??? But then again, sad starving soldiers staring at you while you wolf down your tomato sandwich . . . I guess it’s okay I don’t have these.
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One reason I like Liberty Blue is because although it is older, it is still new enough to be dishwasher safe. Microwave? Mmm. Not so much. They crack and get discolored in the microwave. Don’t ask. I just know.
Sometimes I mix another pattern, Johnson Brother’s luncheon plate (the one in the middle) and think it looks nice with the Liberty Blue. The bread plate, peeking out the top of this photo features Monticello.
I even have “The Book” for Liberty Blue collectors, “Liberty Blue Dinnerware” by Debbie and Randy Coe. The Bank that originally offered this pattern to its customers was located in Oregon, and then grocery stores in the Northeast also sold it as an incentive to shoppers. Therefore, it is more difficult today to find pieces here in the South.
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And how interesting that this Bicentennial set, depicting American Revolutionary scenes was made in . . . England.
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Do you have any patriotic collections?
I have been researching this dinnerware, only having recently discovered it! Thank you for such a wonderful and informative blog!
You are welcome. Glad you like it as well!
I have a collection of Liberty Blue, some of which I acquired after my High School Drama Director passed away. I have not actively collected for a while, but I will still pick up the odd piece here or there. I think that I have several of the Valley Forge Luncheon plates, as well as the butter pat! I also have the Avon Fostoria goblets, blue, with George and Martha Washington in satin glass cameo on them. Can’t get much more patriotic than that! Love this stuff!
What a nice way to remember a favorite teacher. I’m glad you are enjoying them.
Can you tell me why there are different hallmarks on the Declaration of Indpendence platters?
Nope, I’m not an expert, just a collector who eats off of them. Sorry!
My dad bought most of the set when it was for sale in the grocery store in town. We eat off them every day.
A set was used in the movie ‘Tootsie’ when they go to the country to visit the father character.
How great that you’ve had them from the original release, and sharp eyes of you to spot them in a movie. Don’t you love it when you see things like that on flim? Thanks for the note.
My sister and I have Liberty Blue, complete sets plus many extras. We also have collected Historic America by Johnson Brothers, pink and white. Love, love Liberty Blue.
The historic America sounds pretty. I’ll have to look it up.
I have a set of Liberty Blue original ironstone and would like to sell them.I have over 50 pieces and they have never been used.My husbands mother gave them to me .We are moving into a senior home and have no place to keep them.Could someone tell me how I would go about selling them as I am not too good with the way things are done on the computer.I would appreciate it.
Hi May. Thanks for the note. I think your best bet would be to call a local antiques dealer and tell them about your collection. Many times they will sell things on consignment basis for their customers. I don’t know where you live, but here in Fairhope, any of the downtown dealers are wonderful people and would help you. If anyone else has ideas, please leave May a message. Good luck in your new adventure, May!
I have a question about Liberty Blue that perhaps you can help me with. I have two dinner plates depicting Independence Hall; however, while one is marked “Independence Hall” on the back, the other is marked “Washington Leaving Christ Church” which is a misprint. My question is whether anyone else has experienced the same thing with their plates? Not sure if this increases the value or not. I can’t find any information about this online. Thanks!
Hi Brigitte. This is the first I’ve heard of this misprint. Very interesting, and perhaps the authors of the book I mentioned can help. I don’t know how to get in touch with them. Great mystery! Good luck!
Hi, Brigitte. I have a similar situation. I have 5 Monticello bread & butter plates. All but one is labeled correctly as Monticello; one is labeled incorrectly as Mount Vernon. Did you ever find out anything more about misprints in the Liberty Blue pattern?
[…] little less than two weeks ago, when I (bored) told you about my collection of Liberty Blue Ironstone made by Staffordshire, I shared with you how I loved the dishes and the fun I’ve had […]
Love, love, love! Thank you for sharing! You are one of the features today at the Anything Blue Friday party at The Dedicated House. Here is the link so you can check out your feature. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2014/07/anything-blue-friday-week-63.html Hope to see you again at the little blue soiree! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Oh no….now you have me wanting to collect them, and I KNOW it will become an addiction!! LOVE all that you have shown here. How in the world have I not already seen them and started the collection?? The story of your son’s purchase is simply precious. I have a few pieces of wedgwood blue transferware plates that would mix so nicely with your Liberty pieces.
Guess I better start saving my money now. 🙂
I love my Liberty Blue Dishes. When I tried to sell some extra pieces at my garage sale I could hardly give it away. I have way too much, even 2 soup tureens !
I wish I had been at that garage sale! I think people have to know what they are looking at to appreciate it. But that’s okay if they don’t “get it.” It means more for those of us who love it!!
My husband’s mother and his grandmother collected Liberty Blue for him to have when he went out on his own because they thought with the historical scenes, they were looked masculine. We are from north Mississippi and they were offered in grocery stores here. He and I are both history buffs and the Colonial period is my favorite!!! therefore, I too love the dishes. We have collected them since 1985 and have quite a large collection. The only piece I do not have is the soup tureen—never have found that at a reasonable price. I have 8 luncheon plates compared to 51 dinner plates!!! Several years ago I was in your area and in a new antique store. The owner’s mother was from New Orleans and had just been through Katrina. After that possessions did not seem quite so important and she was selling her Liberty Blue collection. I think we purchased just about all she had. Ironic that they came from your area. That’s my Liberty Blue story.
I didn’t realize they were offered anywhere in the south! Very interesting. I love how people who collect Liberty Blue do it for different reasons, but we all seem to love the historical stories it tells. How smart of your Mother in law to realize its appeal to a man. My sons also like it, so I may have to divide mine up someday! I know of a store in Downtown Fairhope that has a few pieces now – a covered casserole is the most rare – but they are either out of my budget, or I already have them.
Thanks for sharing your Liberty Blue story!
Great post about Liberty Blue! You did a terrific job photographing and describing each dish in the collection! I too have a set, they were originally my mother’s. I remember when she purchased them at the A&P grocery store in the 70’s. Each week a piece was offered at a discounted price. We used those dishes for years during my childhood. After awhile, mom did some remodeling, the kitchen took on a new color scheme, new dishes were purchased and used, and the Liberty Blue were packed away. After my mother passed, I located those dishes on the top shelf of the corner cabinet, pushed way in the back, I carefully wrapped them in newspaper and loaded them into a box to bring home. Once home, I arranged the set on my kitchen table to do a quick inventory, a few pieces were needed to complete the set. After a bit of time on the internet I learned the story behind those pretty blue dishes, and was able to locate the pieces I needed. I too, love the luncheon plate, and only have one!
What a wonderful story! So glad you found the missing pieces to complete your set. – Except of course, for the elusive luncheon plates!
Thanks for sharing this story with us!
My husband’s uncle worked at A&P in North Carolina. He stored all the pieces in the barn. I have every piece but the soup tereen. Never have used them but love them. Would be beautiful for July 4th.
How wonderufl! And such a great story. I hope you at least display them somehwere where you can enjoy them.
I also collect this pattern, I have been collecting for several years and have quite a few pieces. Nice to see someone else likes it too.
What good taste you have! you’re probably very good – looking, too!
This is my favorite set of dishes for the 4th. Just beautiful!
I love these dishes…blue and white is my favorite color combination! I bet your table looked amazing!
Shelia
http://www.houseofhighlands.com
Your dinnerware is just stunning Leslie Anne, and I love it set on the big blue and white star fabric! What special plates to have and use on the patriotic holidays!
I love your collection. I have several plates in the same pattern in red. Just climbed up on a cabinet looking at the name of the blue platter I have. It says the city of Washington D. C. An early one because I did not recognize it.
I think your photographs are especially good. I love the Liberty collection because of its meaning and it is getting more and more meaningful to me to be reminded of the meaning of liberty.
Sweet story of your ten year old son buying the butter dish.
Love anything blue and white and with a pop of red how perfect for the 4th!!! And what a terrific son!! Btw. Writing this sitting in traffic to get through the tunnel at mobile bay. Ugh. My husband said hey don’t you have a blogger friend who lives in fairhope? We gotta get home, been gone too long but maybe next time we can grab lunch in fairhope. It’s on my list now after seeing it on your blog.
Tunnel traffic is the worst! My nightmare is getting stuck in one of those tunnels! Yes, next time you are over this way – give me a shout!
Hope you had a great time while you were here!
This gorgeous setting is perfect for a pretty patriotic party.
Have a Happy 4th of July!
Love these dishes. I started collecting them when I came across a stash at a local thrift store. Thanks for sharing their history and for sharing yours!
Happy 4th and God bless!
Isn’t it funny that when you start collecting something like this, you can spot it a mile away? I can see one tiny sliver of the edge sticking out from beneath a pile of things in an antique shop and I know right away it’s Liberty Blue!
I had forgotten about having some Liberty Blue plates, cups and saucers. I got them as a new bride living in Houston, TX and for spending a certain amount of money at Randall’s grocery stores they would give away a piece. I will appreciate them even more! Thanks for sharing!
Just read this article…the blue Liberty dishes caught my eye!! I have a few pieces of this and several luncheon and salad plates in the Johnson Bros castle as well as other pieces in this pattern which I love love love!! I’m actually looking for more cream soups in the Liberty pattern if you ever “spot” some!!?
Isn’t it the prettiest? And I love US History so much, it makes it a fun collection. Glad to know you love it too!
Wonderful pattern. Looks fabulous against the patriotic backdrop! I love them layered, as well.
Ok, dishes are my weakness and I’ve never seen or heard of these. Beautiful! These would be perfect on all of our red, white and blue holidays. I need to keep a lookout for me…I mean you!
your plates at gaw-geous! and you “done raised that boy right” with him buying you that butter dish…i know you’re proud of him.
hope you have a safe and happy 4th…we’re heading to the lake for a day of boating, eating and just hanging out with family.
He’s a pretty good kid and I think I’ll keep him for a while!
Have fun at the lake, and Happy 4th to you!
What a great collection! I used to be big into blue and white china and I had some blue willow pieces. Eventually I sold those, but I still have a complete set of Staffordshire blue and white calico dinnerware that I’m looking to sell if you know anyone who might be interested.
Looking for a full set! I see this comment thread is from eons ago, but feel free to contact me.
Xtina.haas@gmail.com
Thanks for the info. I’ll list it because this story always finds its way to collectors.
Nice photographs. Love the addition of the red stripes. Very attractive and I imagine your family is up on their history scenes .
I don’t think I have ever seen this before, but I remember your reference to it. It is very pretty, and I see why you would get hooked on collecting it. So sweet that your son found the butter dish for you. If I ever run across any, I will let you know.
No patriotic collections here, but I am lovin’ yours! Happy 4th of July! Maybe I will run into you tomorrow while I am on your side of the bay.
Blessings,
Linda
That would be fun! Coming to see the fireworks on the Bay or Gulf?
I also love blue and white china, and I especially love this Liberty Blue! I want that butter dish! 🙂
I love this, especially with the red/white stripes. Happy Independence Day!!!!
Love this china – and dishwasher safe? Bingo! I bet your table will look beautiful. Hope you have a wonderful 4th Leslie Anne.