Syracuse China formerly known as Onondaga Pottery was established in 1871. Although they are best known for their restaurantware, hotel china & railroad china, they also produced dinnerware & fine china. In both buying & selling I have seen that there is some confusion about their date codes & backstamps. I hope this brief guide will help you out.

Datecodes

From May 1895 until September of 1903 simple incised numbers were used in sequential order from 1-99 with the #99 being used in July, August & September of 1903.

From October 1903 to December 1911 numbers 1-99 were used again in sequence but are enclosed within a circle. These again are incised.

From January 1912 to June 1919 the numbers 1-90 were used again, this time enclosed within a diamond shape. Again these are incised numbers not printed or stamped numbers.

July 1919 to Dec 1919 # 1-9 incised within a diamond.

Beginning in 1920 the codes were stamped rather than incised. From 1920-1945 Each year is represented by a sequential letter A-Z

Example letter A would indicate 1920, letter P 1935. Along with the letter would be a number 1-12 which would indicate the monthe the china was made. A12 would indicate December of 1920, so on & so on.

Beginning in 1946 the letters doubled

Example 1946 would be AA, March of 1956 would be 3KK. January of 1960 was OO, but beginning in February of 1960 the system changed yet again.

The number for the year was now corresponding to the companies years in exsistence. 1960 was the companies 89th year, so beginning in February of 1960 the date code would be 89, for 1961 #90 & so on. They did not have a corresponding letter for the month until 1962. January would then be letter A through December which was letter L. Example would be 98 E would indicate production in May of 1969.

In 1976 they went on to simplify again by taking off the 10 for the one hundred. 1976 would be 5A-5L.

In 1986 this was simplified even further, having only A-D signifying which quarter china was produced rather than which month. Example 15A would be the first quarter of 1986, 23C would be 3rd quarter of 1994.

You can see where it can be a bit confusing. I hope this helps you out.

Backstamps

There were numerous backstamps used as well.

O.P.Co with a broken line beneath, then the word CHINA was used from 1885-1890

with a solid line between was 1890-1895.

O.P. Co stood for Onondaga Pottery Co.

Syracuse China OP.Co surrounding a hemisphere logo was used 1895-1897

O.P.CO. SYRACUSE CHINA 1897-1926

O.PCO. SYRAUSE –CHINA– with date codes 1920-1946

OLD IVORY backstamps were used 1927-1960

Adobe ware 1932-1972

Econo Rim 1933-1967

Numerous versions of Syracuse China Made in America or USA since then

Collecting LILY OF THE VALLEY Handkerchiefs Hankies

By: Luanne Reilly Oda

http://www.nanaluluslinensandhandkerchiefs.com/

For generations it has been a tradition for brides to carry a pretty handkerchief on their wedding day.
Lily of the Valley flowers have also long been associated with weddings and new beginnings.

WEDDING HANDKERCHIEFS

BLUE FOR BRIDES

EMBROIDERED

According to the book, The Language of Flowers,”It is not surprising that the Lily of The Valley symbolizes the Return To Happiness, for it is the sweetest flower imaginable. With it’s dainty white bells and unmistakable green scent it is said to lure the Nightingale from his nest and lead him to his mate. It is the symbol of May Day and was known as May Lily and Our Lady’s tears because it grew from the tears shed by the Virgin Mary at the Cross. The flowers were grown by monks for decorating the alter and were called Ladder to Heaven because the miniature flower bells grow like steps up from the stem.” 

You Won’t See  RED Lily HandkerchiefS Too Often

PRETTY IN PINK

LAVENDERS

The young Shulamite bride in the Bible’s Book of Love,  Song of Solomon, says of herself,” I am the Roses of Sharon and the Lily of the Valleys.” The Lily of the Valley are especially popular in France and are found as a wild woodland plant throughout Europe. They were not considered a garden plant until the 16th century. They have been considered to bring good luck since the Renaissance.

IN NAVY BLUE

GREY SWIRLS ~  PRETTY!

FOR VALENTINES DAY

DAINTY YELLOW

Click to view:
LILY OF THE VALLEY HANDKERCHIEFS HANKIES 

MONOGRAMMED HANKIES HANDKERCHIEFS WEDDING AND BRIDAL HANDKERCHIEFS HANKIES SPECIAL OCCASION HANKIES HANDKERCHIEFS VINTAGE & PRINT HANDKERCHIEFS HANKIES 

What Can You Do With Vintage Handkerchiefs 

By Luanne R Oda aka Nanalulu

http://www.nanaluluslinensandhandkerchiefs.com/

Vintage ladies handkerchiefs make a wonderful collectible, and they are still quite affordable.  People often ask me though, What do you do with them? How can you display them?
Here are a few ideas for you.You can display them framed in clear acrylic clip frames. They can also be stretched over a square painters canvas using double sided tape to hold them in place. You can arrange 8 of these above a bed to create a headboard.

Use them as doilies on tables & nightstands,Show then off under glass on a coffee tableSew into quilts, pillows, sachets, tablecloths, or potholders

Make a baby bonnet from a white hankie to be used years later as wedding handkerchief 
 

Make a valance by clipping them onto top of curtain with clothespins
 
Display them in a vase or hang them from a towel barWrap small gifts with them,  make hankie angels or hankie dolls,Sew a monogrammed hankie onto the front of a little girls bib overallsUse them to line your Longerberger baskets (or others)

Trim the edges with beads & make a “cozy” for your teacups

 Tie them onto your ponytail, belt loop, or purse,Tie them to your suitcase handle so you can identify your suitcase at the airport! Tuck them into birthday, get well or any holiday card

Use monogrammed handkerchiefs for the “something old or something blue” for a bride to be,Give as gift to bridesmaids, flower girls, mother of bride or groomDisplay them hung by little wooden clothespins on a vintage indoor clothesline, or satin ribbon


A customer gave me this idea to pass along. She is giving a monogrammed hankie to her son’s girlfriend as a small gift for her prom night. A nice tradition to start!Another customer idea! They look lovely draped over a nitelight for soft romantic lighting.Click Here TO PURCHASE PRETTY HANKIES!

Use any type of vintage rack for display

Click to view:
LILY OF THE VALLEY HANDKERCHIEFS HANKIES 

MONOGRAMMED HANKIES HANDKERCHIEFS WEDDING AND BRIDAL HANDKERCHIEFS HANKIES SPECIAL OCCASION HANKIES HANDKERCHIEFS VINTAGE & PRINT HANDKERCHIEFS HANKIES EMBROIDERED APPLIQUED ORGANZA HANDKERCHIEFS HANKIES 

CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY & SEASONAL HANKIES HANDKERCHIEFS

© 2006 Nanalulu