Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This is a vintage hand-painted earthenware saucer in the 'Concord' pattern, featuring a relief design of blue grapes, green leaves, and brown vines against a cream-colored ground. Produced by the famous California pottery Gladding, McBean & Co. under their Franciscan Ware line, it represents the height of mid-century American casual dinnerware design.
Story
Introduced in 1941, the Concord pattern brought the sunny warmth of California vineyards directly into mid-century American dining rooms. This hand-painted earthenware offered families an affordable touch of hand-crafted artistry during a time of wartime rationing and post-war suburban expansion.
Maker / Origin
Gladding, McBean & Co. began in 1875 making clay sewer pipes before transforming into a legendary tile and dinnerware producer. Their Franciscan line, launched in 1934, became a household name, beloved for its durable, hand-painted California-style ceramics that challenged traditional, formal European porcelain.
Condition & Value
The saucer appears to be in good vintage condition with no visible cracks or major chips on the front surface, though the Goodwill sticker obscures the center. Vintage earthenware is prone to crazing (fine cracks in the glaze) and utensil marks; a clean, craze-free surface commands the top end of the value range.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.