Here is a Vintage Collection of 1776 Bittersweet Independence China , 55 PIECES IN ALL, with a fascinating history THE SET includes 8 dinner plates (10.5"), 8 dessert plates (8"), 8 bread & butter plates (6.5"), 8 saucers (5.75"), 7 cups, 8 cereal bowls (6.5"), 8 berry bowls (5.5") *** Total Weight:40# *** - Measurements:Dinner plate measured for reference: 10.5 x 10.5 x 1 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ HISTORY : In my research of this dinnerware set I was amazed at the long history of Interpace or International Pipes and Ceramics Corporation, along with other large earthenware companies some of which eventually became part of Interpace. The Shenango Pottery Company was formed and also made semi-vitreous dinnerware. They had a rough beginning and it was not until 1909 when James N. Smith took over the company before it began to prosper. From 1909 until 1935, the entire production of Shenango Pottery was devoted to commercial china. In 1928, Shenango built the first tunnel kiln and began to fire hotel china for the first time in this country. In 1936, Theodore Haviland was seeking an American company to make the famous Haviland dinnerware. He were so impressed with the quality of Shenango, a "gentleman's" agreement was made with Smith. From 1936 to 1958, Shenango Pottery Company made china for the Theodore Haviland Company of France using their formula, blocks cases, decals, etc. This ware was trademarked "Theodore Haviland, New York, Made in America”. In 1939, Louis L. Helleman, an American representative for Rosenthal China of Germany, came to Shenango and arranged to have Rosenthal's shapes and patterns made at Shenango. In August 1951, Shenango Pottery Company purchased the outstanding stock of Castleton. In 1968 Interpace Corporation bought Shenango Ceramics and her wholly-owned subsidiaries. Interpace already manufactured Franciscan (earthenware) and fine china. In 1962, Franciscan became part of a large ceramic giant, International Pipe and Ceramics Corporation, known as INTERPACE. During this time another dinner line was also shown and marketed in some of the same places as Franciscan. This line was INDEPENDENCE Ironstone and under Interpace control, the staff at the Franciscan Division added new shapes to Independence. Interpace independence Ironstone was manufactured in Japan, Last appearing as a part of Franciscan catalog in 1976. This set has the green stamp on the bottom, “1776 Independence © Ironstone Interpace Japan”. The dishes are in an octagon shape and painted, this set is often called the bittersweet pattern.

Very good to Excellent condition - 1 dinner plate has a rim chip (see photo) some crazing and tea stains, tea stains are easy to eliminate, if you purchase these ask me for the recipe, they can be returned to their original condition.