Liberty Blue China

Liberty Blue dishes were designed and sold to commemorate America's 1976 Bicentennial (200th anniversary) celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

According to the Robbins Nest website, the china was "made by Enoch Wedgwood in the Staffordshire District of England in the tradition of the 19th century Staffordshire historical blue china".

This blue and white Staffordshire ironstone features different historical scenes. Some of the historic occasions depicted on the china are: Washington crossing the Delaware, Lafayette landing at West Point, the Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere on horseback, Old North Church, Ben Franklin, Mt. Vernon - George Washington's Home, Monticello - Thomas Jefferson's Home, Independence Hall, Washington leaving Christ Church, and Betsy Ross - the nation's first flag.

The Robbins Nest site also states that Liberty Blue china was originally designed as an incentive for Ben Franklin Savings and Loan customers. In October of 1976, Ben Franklin announced that the china would no longer be available. For the following five years, it was sold as a grocery store promotion. The china was very affordable with individual serving pieces selling for $.58 each.

Prices for Liberty Blue pieces are significantly higher at present; however, with the teapot valued at $199, the water pitcher at $169 and the creamer at $30 on the Robbins Nest site. A recent look at eBay showed that dinner plates can be purchased for between $5.00 and $10.00 each.

Authentic Liberty Blue pieces can be identified by a logo on the back featuring an eagle and flag and the wording "Liberty Blue, Original Copper Engravings of Historic Colonial Scenes, printed on Staffordshire Ironstone, Detergent and dishwasher safe, Made in England". The logo also states the name of the historical scene depicted on the front of each piece.

My mother purchased her china piece by piece at area rummage sales and flea markets. She also collected Blue Willow china and other blue and white pieces which coordinate beautifully for display.

I located a full place setting in its original box in an antique store while I was vacationing in northern Minnesota several years ago which she also added to her collection.

The two of us created a patriotic tablescape for a local "Tour of Tables" fundraiser featuring the Liberty Blue dishes with a red, white and blue color scheme.

I am now the lucky owner of the dishes. I store them away in the winter and display them in the summer along with other blue and white plates, as my mother did.

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