Victoria was developed towards the end of 1964. There's a major problem for collectors surrounding this swirl shape: almost every piece is unmarked. There is at least one exception - Sheffield Bone White. As the name implies, the body has a white glaze with no trim or decal decoration.
You may find Sheffield Bone White marks on another line of swirl dinnerware that was made in Japan, but that line has nothing to do with Homer Laughlin. Royal China also made a line of swirl dinnerware in the 1940s and 50s, but generally it will be marked. For the hollowware, HLC's Victoria will have a little "lump" towards the bottom of the handles. This can be found on the casserole, gravy, teapot, coffeepot, creamer, and sugar. By contrast, Royal's swirl shape has flattop handles. There should be little confusion between Victoria and other swirl shapes.
Victoria seems to have been made for a short period of time. Mold notes indicate some pieces were revised in 1965, but no new items were added. The assortment is rather straightforward with the most basic of serving pieces. Calendar plates were made using Victoria blanks for the years 1966, 1967, and 1968. Usually, the 1966 version is on a plain blank, whereas '67 and '68 examples have platinum trim. Also, some blanks were used as decorative state souvenir plates.
|