Collecting Creamer-and-Sugar Sets

By Barbara Nicholson Bell

Among my many collecting passions, are several sets of creamers and sugar bowls. A few of these are part of larger sets for serving beverages or components of a set of dinnerware. Most of them, however, have become separated from their "families" over the years, and I purchased them as pairs. I also have orphan creamers and sugar bowls, which remain mysteries.

I don't know why I'm drawn to these little dainties of the china world. Perhaps because they tend to be inexpensive compared to larger, more complete dinnerware sets. Or maybe I'm impressed that they have survived when the platters and gravy boats did not.

My collection is eclectic, which is fine with me. I have not been terribly interested in post-WWII dinnerware, with the exception of those "made in Japan" or "Occupied Japan", and Frankoma. Most, but not all, of the sets were mass produced in the early 20th century.

Here is a page of photos of five sets of creamer-and-sugar sets which are in my collection. Although the photos are large, the file sizes are small, so it shouldn't take too long to open the page: Collecting Sugar and Creamer Sets.

The first pair are by Frankoma. This Oklahoma pottery company is described in my July 1999 article here: Frankoma. The height of the sugar bowl is only 3", so they really are dainty in spite of the chunky design. There is a matching tea or chocolate pot with a cork stopper, and a small oval tray. By themselves, the creamer and sugar are valued at about $25.

I would estimate the value of the second pair in the same neighborhood. This is a pair marked Royal Albert, and probably dates from the 1960's-1970's. Royal Albert is now a part of the Royal Daulton group. It is rarely found listed separately in today's price guides.

The next pair are the distinctive blue and white pattern known as the Phoenix or Flying Turkey. This was a very popular pattern between the two world wars, exported from Japan for sale in dime stores throughout the US. This particular duo are marked "Made in Japan", and the transfer of the pattern is crude. The height of the sugar is about 3 1/2" to 4". Current value would be about $20 or less.

My imagination allows me to guess that the next pair were purchased in a London tea shop many years ago, perhaps by my grandmother or an aunt. Along with a charming teapot, the pieces are impressed with the mark "Lipton Tea" on the bottom. The teapot is the classic English Brown Betty shape, made in Staffordshire for many generations, and still very popular.

The last pair of sugar and creamer is part of a breakfast set that I treasure, completely handpainted, dated and signed with the artist's initials, MLW. Included in the set are a chocolate pot, the creamer and sugar, a plate, cereal bowl, salt & pepper shaker, cup and saucer, and an ashtray! The blanks are from various sources. The creamer, sugar and chocolate pot, however, are all marked Germany. Other pieces are Czechoslovakian and Limoges. I have no estimate of value for the creamer and sugar as separate from the set, which is valued at over $300.

If I could post more pictures easily on the Page, I would show you examples of Royal Bayreuth, Limoges, Nippon and Bavarian creamers and sugar bowls. None of these have very high dollar values but they are a delight to collect - I'm totally captivated by them and hope you'll be intrigued enough to watch out for them at the next antiques show you attend!

About the Author:

I have been a writer all my life, a collector of various interesting and old things, a traveler and an artist. More importantly, I've been a mother to four fine sons and grandmother to one very smart young lady. In these capacities and a few miscellaneous others, I've pursued a number of careers. I formerly wrote for Suite101.com on the topics Antiques & Collectibles and Design How-To (formerly, Interior Decorating for Beginners) as well as managing the Arts & Crafts section and several courses and newsletters to do with gardening, the home, and family. My articles have been gathered in two Best of Suite e-books entitled Antiques & Collectibles: The Design Periods, and The Collector's Encyclopedia, vols I & II.

Another stage in my life begins as Editor for Suite101's Home and Garden section. I can now legitimately focus on my passions for interior decorating, gardening and writing all at once!

Recently I was assigned the Health section as well. As the health of my family and myself are of utmost importance to me, I feel honored to have this responsibility. Meanwhile, if other avenues of self-expression present themselves to me, I may follow them as well. Some other very important interests include my husband Russ, Paris (and everything French), and golf.

Article courtesy of Suite101.com.