How do I determine the age and value of the Frankoma piece I just bought?
Pre-1955 Frankoma items are slightly higher in value than post-1955 Sapulpa clay itemsin most cases. To determine which clay your piece is made of, mere look on the bottom at the Unglazed clay. If it is light tan, it is Ada clay; if it is brick red, Sapulpa clay; if it is merely reddish, it could be 1970 or older, as the Sapulpa clay had begun by then to fade in color. Items with light red clay are often mistaken for Ada clay. However, there is a simple way to tell, which is about 98% accurate. Wet your finger and touch it to the unglazed clay. If it does not change color, chances are its Ada clay. If it turns darker, it is probably the later Sapulpa clay. Gary Schaums 1997 book, Frankoma Pottery 1933 through 1990 Identifying Your Collection, Including Gracetone, is a book we recommend for both beginning and experienced collectors. Schaum has endeavored to show photos of every piece produced by Frankoma from its beginning, and he almost accomplished that, with few exceptions. He has al
