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| Roan Mountain service pieces |
Blue Ridge, Roan Mountain, and White Top
Many of the patterns found in Iron Mountain stoneware are named for area geological and scenic areas which were near the factory and favorite tourist destinations.
One of the first three patterns, and among the ones most frequently produced, was Roan Mountain. These three patterns, Roan Mountain, Blue Ridge, and White Top were all hand-dipped in glazes which produced distinctive lines and consequently triangles of color across the stoneware 'bodies.' Roan Mountain is most often seen in shades of brown, yellow, and shades of rust. This set, as well as the other two demonstrating this design technique, were listed in the factory seconds price list with the most inexpensive prices per piece.
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| White Top tall salt & pepper |
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| White Top individual size ramekin |
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| White Top small drinking vessel |
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| Blue Ridge Pie Baking Plate |
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| Blue Ridge Covered Butter Dish |
I am so happy to have found your blog. Yesterday while at a thrift store I found and bought a beautiful blue/black glazed pitcher. Through a massive internet search, I came across your blog and figured out that my pitcher is Iron Mountain Stoneware, Blue Ridge pattern. Such a beautiful piece, I can see why you love Iron Mountain so much! Can you tell me when this pattern was made? I'd love to know if this is an old piece or something newer/mass produced. It feels very weighty and hand made. Thank you so much! --Sara
ReplyDeleteThe dipped patterns were among the first to be created when the stoneware company opened as it required less artistic skill to create the patterns than some of the ones which came along later. As exactly when, I'm unsure. All the pieces were hand-made and are heavy! They are sturdy and don't chip all that easily unless you bang them against hard surfaces or each other. Congrats on your find!
DeleteI have a full set and many serving pieces of Blue Ridge, and I've had it since 1967. It's beautiful and very durable.
ReplyDeleteI have a nice set of Roan Mountain stoneware from 1968, which I chose for my wedding dishes. I saw them here in Jamestown NY at a fine gift shop. My mother in law ended up liking them well enough to buy them a few years later. My youngest daughter just gave me boxes of them from her attic (which were my mother in law's) from Shelbyville KY.. What a wonderful time I have had unpacking them and setting a table with many good memories. She also had pieces I never had. They are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBrenda.
Can you tell me more about the sculptured salt and pepper shakers? We just received a full set of Roan Mountain stoneware and I'd love to know more about these particular pieces.
ReplyDeleteThey are simply a different style of salt and pepper shaker. There are three different styles--the ones which are large and at the top of this page, some smaller ones which have a more rectanglar shape and are upright, and the sculptured ones. There are probably images of them in the blog on another page. What information are you seeking?
DeleteThe sculptured pieces will be features in a post JUST about them and what they are meant to be--this was a question that I recently asked Nancy Lamb when we had a lunch meeting together to share information!
DeleteMy mother just passed away and left me an almost complete set of The stone top pattern. I remember eating on them as a child and she probably had them since the late 60's. They have some sentimental value but we just have no place to store them. Do you known anyone who would be interested in the set? I would like to see them stay together with someone who cares about the history.
ReplyDeleteSteve have you gotten rid of your mothers set of Stoneware. I would
Deletebe interested in seeing a picture. Where are you located. I am
only 25 miles from where the set was created and have an interest
in obtaining some Iron Mtn. Please respond Anne asjones1060@gmail.com
I have a set of Roan Mountain pattern that I just lucked into. I love them! Can they be microwaved? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteYes, microwaving with them is no problem.
DeleteCan they go in the oven? Just found a set!
DeleteYes, they can go in the oven. They cannot be used on top of the stove.
DeleteWhat is the pattern?? A light colored pottery with darker rim, and small green, circular pattern in the center, as well?
ReplyDeleteFrom your description, it sounds as if this could be the "Whispering Pines" pattern.
ReplyDeleteHello - I have inherited the Blue Ridge Iron Mt. dishes (84 pieces total). I, unfortunately, already have 3 other sets of dishes and don't have the room. Does anyone have suggestions on where I might sell these. Any information would be appreciated. These are truly beautiful pieces and would even deliver local in Los Angeles. Thanks for help - Karen
ReplyDeleteHello! I have a very similar pattern to the Roan Mountain dishes- TONS of them but they are from Taiwan! (they have "Made in Taiwan" stamped on the bottom. They're beautiful! Have you ever heard of this? My uncle brought them home when he was in the service in the early 60s. They are a deeper brown than these photos above, though.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone has any roan mountain dishes they would like to sell, I'm looking to buy some more of the tiny "monkey" bowls. I have a full set of the Iron Mountain dishes, but the tiny ones get broken by my kids who love them.
ReplyDeleteLooking for blue ridge pieces. Pls let me know if anyone is trying to sell
ReplyDeleteI will be posting some blue ridge pieces soon on Etsy. "USHOPIRUN"
ReplyDeleteI have numerous pieces in the Roan pattern. Selling some on ebay but please get in touch if you are interested!
ReplyDeleteWill be selling an entire set of brown roan mountain pattern if interested.
ReplyDeleteWith Roan Mountain pattern being one of the earlier ones, do they contain lead in the glazes?
ReplyDeleteI have a 12” cake plate that looks identical to my other Roan Mountain pieces, but it doesn’t have the IMS stamp in it. Did you ever make a cake plate? If so, why wouldn’t there be a stamp on this plate?
ReplyDeleteThat piece originally was used as a “setter” on which to fire other pieces, and it did not contain the logo. Then it occurred to me that it would make a great cake plate or pizza plate. We just neglected to put our trademark logo on it, but it is Iron Mountain Stoneware.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much
DeleteLead was never used in any Iron Mountain Stoneware product.
ReplyDeleteMy mom has a cherished piece of Roan Mountain that I haven’t seen anywhere else. It’s a 2 quart pitcher but it has a lid that “locks” in place. It has a faint IMS imprint on the bottom. Can you tell me anything about the piece? Was it a trial piece?
ReplyDeleteI’m sorry to tell you that I do not know anything about this piece. It was not part of our regular production. Nancy Lamb
ReplyDelete