Franciscan Apple 11-Piece Tea Service & Apple-Form Spoon Rests, Gladding McBean

An eleven-piece grouping of Franciscan Apple earthenware, the enduring 1940-introduced California pattern by Gladding, McBean & Co. The service pieces — two cups, two saucers, creamer, and covered sugar — carry the full circular backstamp reading "Franciscan / Made in California U.S.A. / Hand Decorated / Gladding, McBean & Co. / Oven-Safe," with letter date code placing production in the late 1950s through early 1960s. Hand-painted raised relief in the signature cream, russet, and green colorway, with bamboo-style branch handles characteristic of the line.

Rounding out the lot are five apple-shaped tea bag holders / spoon rests — the scarcer accessory form that drives collector interest in this pattern. Apple remains one of the most recognized mid-century American dinnerware patterns, and complete groupings with the novelty accessory pieces don't surface often.

CONDITION

Very Good throughout with no remarkable damage. No chips, cracks, or significant crazing noted on any of the eleven pieces. Hand-painted decoration remains crisp and the glaze surfaces are clean.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Total Pieces: 11
• Material: Earthenware, hand-decorated
• Maker: Gladding, McBean & Co. (Franciscan)
• Pattern: Apple (introduced 1940)
• Cups (2): 4" W × 3" D × 2¾" H
• Saucers (2): 5¾" Dia. × ⅝" H
• Creamer: 4¾" W × 3¼" D × 3" H
• Covered Sugar: 3¼" Dia. × 3½" H
• Apple-Form Dishes (5): 4½" W × 3¾" D × ¾" H