Giddy Up ... More Western China ... Shenango, Red Wing, Homer Laughlin, Tepco, and Wallace

In my previous hub, I indicated that Shenango acquired the Wallace China Company in 1964 and continued making heavy and durable restaurant china in western-themed patterns as well as various other patterns. The ID mark on the bottom is the name Shenango and/or pictures a Native American making pottery. The pattern shown in the platter is beautiful and well done. Again, people are very lucky to have pieces like this.

The name of the company that makes Tepco is The Technical Porcelain and China Ware Company so you can understand why it is known by Tepco which is its trademark. Tepco produced a number of theme lines, one of which is the Pony Express Western Traveler. You will find that some pieces are marked simply 'Tepco', others may also have 'U.S.A.', and still other pieces may be marked 'Western Traveler. The Western Traveler pieces, especially plates and platters, have extensive detail.

When we think Homer Laughlin, usually their Fiesta pattern comes to mind. This company's western china surely was not intended for restaurants as it is not heavy and durable as is the Fiesta. The style of table is Rhythm and the china is marked with this ID; however, the name of the actual pattern is not shown. The colors are bright and attractive on a white background. A table set with this china presents a beautiful and interesting dining experience.

As with the Wallace China (see previous hub) western-themed glasses work very well with Tepco place settings as do the individual creamers.

The Red Wing china company's designs are some of the most interesting and diverse I've seen. I was in my early twenties when I saw their Granada and simply could not resist it. I have fallen in love with almost every pattern since that time. A number of years ago someone told me that Red Wing had a western-theme pattern too. I looked and looked for it but, of course, without the internet was not able to find any pieces. I fantasized about the pattern, imagining the plates with a Caitlin or a Remington on each. I was totally shocked when I saw Round Up the first time and the caricatures decorating each piece. That's just like the designers at Red Wing .. creative and innovative.

I have described and shown pictures of a few examples of western dinnerware. There are many more out there. If you decide to collect pieces, please keep in mind that many are expensive. Choose one pattern or more if they work well together ... happy hunting!