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Antique Questions Forum / Re: Independence Ironstone by Castleton China dishware

« on: April 24, 2012, 03:00:38 pm »

Hi, thanks for the replies! The label says they are made in Japan. I'm nervous about using them as my everyday dishes, as I microwave frequently. I also am afraid crazing will occur in modern dishwashers. Only one of the 11 dinner plates has crazing, but 7 of the small plates have crazing.
I do think we got a very good buy, and perhaps I should think about selling them to save up for a new set for everyday use. Where would be the best place to advertise them, maybe Craigslists or eBay? Bummer tho b/c they are very beautiful.

Pic of front & back of plate attached.

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Antique Questions Forum / Independence Ironstone by Castleton China dishware

« on: April 22, 2012, 02:04:27 pm »

Hi! I am brand new to this forum & have questions about a dishware set my mom purchased yesterday at a tag sale. It is all white, octagonal, and stamped with green on the back "Independence Ironstone by Castleton China 1778." The set, 60+ pieces, includes everything from dinner plates to candlesticks to a soup toureen to platters. Most appear to be in perfect condition. A few do have crazing. I understand dishes with crazing aren't safe to eat off of.

I was wondering if anyone knows about this set, and what your feelings are on using it as everyday dishes for my family. I have two small children, and reading up on crazing I came across the idea of lead being in old dishes, which made me wonder if these dishes have lead in them.

Perhaps this more of a collector set that people show off rather than actually use? I just don't know. Thanks for any advice, or pointing me in the right direction. I haven't been able to find much by Googling.