Franciscan Apple Pattern Ceramic Pitcher & 8 Tumblers, USA

A nine-piece beverage set in Franciscan Apple, the hand-painted embossed pattern introduced by Gladding, McBean & Co. in 1940 and produced continuously for decades at the Glendale, California works. The pitcher carries the signature branch handle in glossy brown, with a single ruby apple and trailing leaves modeled in relief against the warm cream ground. Eight matching flat-bottom tumblers complete the set, each painted with the same apple-on-branch motif. Backstamped Franciscan ©Interpace U.S.A., placing production in the 1970s under Interpace ownership prior to the pattern's move overseas.

Franciscan Apple remains one of the most recognizable American dinnerware patterns of the twentieth century — a fixture of mid-century kitchens and a perennial favorite among pattern collectors. Pitcher-and-tumbler groupings in this size and completeness turn up far less often than dinner plates and cups, making this a useful grouping for set-builders or for table use as intended.

CONDITION

Very Good across all nine pieces. No chips, cracks, or remarkable damage. Glaze is bright with normal light surface wear consistent with careful household use.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Maker: Franciscan (Gladding, McBean / Interpace, USA)
• Pattern: Apple
• Material: Earthenware, hand-painted under glaze
• Pitcher: 7.25" H × 6.5" W × 5" D
• Tumblers (8): 3.375" H × 3" Diameter
• Total Pieces: 9
• Marks: Franciscan ©Interpace U.S.A.