How To Date Taylor Smith Taylor China

Okay, so picture this: I'm at a flea market, elbow-to-elbow with a bunch of other bargain hunters, when I spot it. A gorgeous, slightly chipped, but undeniably charming plate with delicate floral patterns. The vendor mumbled something about "vintage china" and I, naturally, was intrigued. Paid five bucks, lugged it home, and promptly forgot about it for, like, a year. Fast forward to a particularly boring Sunday afternoon… I finally decide to actually look at the thing. Turned it over and BAM! "Taylor Smith Taylor." Who? What? Why? That's how my obsession with dating vintage TST china began. And trust me, it's a surprisingly deep rabbit hole.

Turns out, Taylor Smith Taylor (TST) wasn’t just any china company. They were kind of a big deal back in the day. And figuring out when your piece was made is like playing detective. Let’s get started!

Why Bother Dating Your TST China?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, you might be wondering: why bother? Well, several reasons actually!

• Appreciation: Knowing the age of your china allows you to appreciate its history and craftsmanship. You're not just holding a plate; you're holding a piece of the past.
• Value: While not all TST china is worth a fortune, some patterns and older pieces can be quite valuable. Dating helps you assess its potential worth. (Although, let's be real, sometimes the sentimental value is worth more than any monetary amount!)
• Completing Sets: If you're trying to complete a set, knowing the production dates can help you find matching pieces from the same era.
• Plain Old Curiosity: Sometimes, you just want to know! It's fun to unravel the mystery and learn about the story behind your find.

The Backstamp: Your First Clue

The backstamp is your best friend when it comes to dating TST china. It's the mark on the bottom of the piece, and it usually contains the company name (Taylor Smith Taylor, obviously!), a pattern name (sometimes), and possibly a date code. Not all backstamps are created equal, though. Some are incredibly helpful, while others are frustratingly vague. But don’t worry, we’ll break it down.

Different Types of Backstamps

• Early Backstamps (Pre-1930s): These often feature the full company name, "Taylor Smith & Taylor Co.," and may include the words "East Liverpool, Ohio," where the company was based. They might be simpler in design and less likely to include a pattern name. Keep an eye out for these – they are often signs of a truly vintage piece.
• Mid-Century Backstamps (1930s-1960s): This is where things get interesting! Many TST patterns from this era have very distinct backstamps, often with stylized fonts and designs. They might include the pattern name more frequently, and some have date codes (more on that later!). Think of these as the prime years for TST, design-wise.
• Later Backstamps (1970s-Onward): These tend to be simpler and more modern in design. The pattern name might be more prominent, but the overall feel is less ornate. TST’s later designs sometimes took cues from contemporary trends.

Decoding the Date Codes: The Holy Grail

Okay, this is where we get to the really good stuff. Some TST pieces have date codes incorporated into the backstamp. These codes are usually a combination of numbers and letters, and they indicate the month and year the piece was manufactured. However, there's no single, universally agreed-upon key for deciphering these codes, which is just fantastic, isn’t it? But here are some general rules to keep in mind:

• Common Format: A letter usually represents the month, and a number represents the year. For example, "A-5" might indicate January 1945 (or 1955, depending on the specific pattern and other clues).
• Potential Variations: The letter/number order can be reversed (e.g., "5-A"). Also, the year might be represented by two digits (e.g., "A-55") or one digit (e.g., "A-5").
• Limited Information: Some codes only provide the year, not the month.

Pro Tip: Search online forums and collector websites dedicated to TST china. Experienced collectors often share their knowledge of specific date code variations for different patterns. You might just find someone who’s already cracked the code for your piece! And don't be afraid to post a picture of your backstamp and ask for help. The TST community is generally very welcoming.

Unfortunately, not all TST china has date codes. So, what do you do then?

Pattern Research: Digging Deeper

If your piece doesn't have a date code, don't despair! You can still narrow down the age by researching the pattern itself. Here's how:

• Identify the Pattern Name: The backstamp might include the pattern name. If not, try searching online for "Taylor Smith Taylor china patterns." There are many websites and resources that catalog TST patterns by color, design, and shape.
• Online Databases: Use online china pattern databases (like Replacements, Ltd. or WorthPoint) to search for your pattern. These databases often include the approximate production years for each pattern.
• Vintage Catalogs: If you can find old TST catalogs (either online or in physical archives), you can compare your piece to the images and descriptions in the catalog. This is a more advanced technique, but it can provide valuable information.
• Check for discontinued patterns: Sites like eBay will sometimes indicate when an item was discontinued. This can help you determine a rough estimate of when it was made.

Pattern Styles as Clues

Even without knowing the exact pattern name, the style of the design can offer clues about the age of your china. Here are some general trends to keep in mind:

• Art Deco (1920s-1930s): Look for geometric patterns, bold colors, and streamlined shapes. Art Deco designs often feature stylized floral or abstract motifs.
• Floral and Romantic (1930s-1950s): This era saw a surge in popularity for floral patterns, often with delicate roses, violets, or other flowers. Colors tended to be soft and pastel.
• Mid-Century Modern (1950s-1960s): Mid-century modern designs are characterized by clean lines, simple shapes, and bold colors. Patterns might include geometric shapes, abstract motifs, or stylized representations of nature.
• Earth Tones and Avocado Green (1970s): This decade saw a shift towards earth tones, such as brown, orange, and avocado green. Patterns might feature geometric shapes, floral motifs, or abstract designs.

Shape and Form: Another Piece of the Puzzle

The shape and form of your china can also provide clues about its age. TST produced a wide variety of shapes, from traditional round plates and cups to more modern and asymmetrical designs. Look at the overall design of the piece. Is it a very basic, round plate, or something more ornate and modern? Consider things like the shape of the cup handles, the rim of the plate, and the overall profile of the piece.

Material and Construction: Examining the Details

The materials and construction techniques used to make your china can also offer clues about its age. Early TST china was typically made of earthenware, while later pieces might be made of porcelain or other materials. Examine the piece closely for any signs of wear or damage. Older pieces might have more crazing (fine cracks in the glaze) or other signs of age. Also, consider the weight of the piece. Older pieces may be heavier than later pieces, due to differences in the materials and manufacturing processes.

Consider the Context: Where Did You Find It?

Think about where you acquired the china. Did you inherit it from a relative? Did you find it at a flea market or antique store? The context in which you found the china can provide clues about its age. For example, if you inherited it from your grandmother, who was born in the 1920s, it's likely that the china is at least that old. (Assuming she didn't buy it new in 1998, of course.)

Putting It All Together: Become a TST Detective

Dating TST china is like putting together a puzzle. You need to gather all the available clues – the backstamp, the pattern, the shape, the materials, the context – and then use your knowledge and research skills to piece together the story. It takes time and effort, but it's a rewarding experience.

Don't be afraid to make mistakes! Even experienced collectors can sometimes misdate a piece of china. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and keep researching. Over time, you'll develop a better eye for dating TST china and become a true TST detective.

Resources for Dating TST China

Here are some helpful resources to get you started:

• Online China Pattern Databases: Replacements, Ltd., WorthPoint, Etsy, and eBay.
• TST Collector Websites and Forums: Search for online communities dedicated to TST china. These forums are a great place to ask questions, share information, and connect with other collectors.
• Books on Vintage China: Look for books on vintage china patterns and identification. These books can provide valuable information about TST and other china manufacturers.

So, go forth and date your TST china! Happy hunting (and dating)! And remember, even if you never pinpoint the exact year your piece was made, the journey of discovery is half the fun. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a slightly chipped, floral plate to re-examine… maybe it's older than I thought!