Posted by Deborah Dearborn on November 9, 2010, 8:43 pm
Can I safely use my transferware collection in occasionally serving food, eating and drinking from the dishes and cups? That is, is there lead in these old pieces that is harmful? Secondly, what is the best care for these pieces in terms of washing, drying, storing, etc.? I was dismayed to see my former collection (no longer owned) of 'Etruscan Vases' become more and more discolored in my former home in s.w. Florida. And I did NOT use them, as I wish to do so now. Thank you for any advice to these questions.
Re: Using my transferware
Posted by David on November 14, 2010, 1:41 pm, in reply to "Using my transferware" 75.36.139.209
I also have been served a number of meals on older transferware, and echo Michael's opinion and advice. We do not eat off of our TW plates, but we do use bowls etc for fruit and other uses on a continual basis. I would not suggest placing particularly hot items into serving pieces; why press your luck serving boiling hot water/tea from an 1825 teapot? Lead should not be an issue as long as you do not store acidic foods for periods of time in the TW.
Re: Using my transferware
Posted by Michael on November 14, 2010, 12:43 pm, in reply to "Using my transferware"
Deborah, There is no reason (other than possibly breakage) for you NOT to use your transferware occasionally for special meals/occasions, etc. I know several people who do and have not suffered any! As for care and cleaning, DEFINITELY DO NOT put them in the dishwasher: hand washing with hot, soapy water is recommended. Also, to keep surface scratching to a minimum, serving foods that do not require significant or hard cutting probably would be best -- either that or provide your guests with plastic knives and forks!
I do not know why the Etruscan Vase pieces discolored. Were they kept in direct sun? Or in a hutch or open cupboard where the sun shined directly on them (window glass and glass cupboards could magnify the effect of the sun's rays, I would imagine). And when you say "discolored", do you mean faded (from dark or medium blue to washed-out blue) or did they actually turn color. EARLY restoration on pieces tends to turn pink with time, whether it has been exposed to light or not. Is it possible that they could have been restored? Good luck, and enjoy them. Michael
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