The Antique Dishware With A Centuries-Old Reputation For Durability

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In many cases, adding eye-catching antique dishware to your usual kitchen rotation means taking a big risk in terms of longevity. Considering that modern dishware can easily chip or break if mishandled, it's not surprising that adding a few decades into the mix doesn't help the dishes' durability. However, some antique dishware was crafted specifically to stand up to wear and tear. For example, if you're in the market for a retro dish set that is as functional as it is unique, look no further than dinnerware made for the U.S. Navy. With over a century's worth of dishes to choose from including mugs, gravy boats, and everything in between, it's easy to find a piece perfect for the nautical look that's replacing polished coastal interiors.

As a result of the constant rolling waves, any dishware on a ship needs to be able to fall without shattering. Therefore, the U.S. Navy's dinnerware was made with durability in mind. The design of these dishes changes slightly depending on what year it was made, whether it was intended for an officer or crewman, and even what ship it was used on. However, most pieces share a basic design that makes these valuable items easy to spot at the thrift store: a white porcelain base with a cerulean blue border and insignia. Anchors are some of the most common insignias, though you may also find pieces featuring eagles or flags, as well as the acronym the phrase "USN" or "U.S. Navy." If it was a piece of dishware intended for a high-ranking official or a special occasion, the blue may be replaced with gold, and feature the official Navy seal.

U.S. Navy dishware has been documented since at least the late 19th century, and since there's no official record of all the different designs Navy dishware has gone through over the years, it can be difficult to tell if you've found a genuine artifact. Part of the confusion comes from the fact that the dishes were made by a number of different manufacturers over the years, so there are many different maker's marks that could indicate a piece's veracity. A few marks to look out for when checking the dinnerware are those from Shenango China, which appear on pieces from the mid 20th century, and Greenwood China, which can be a sign a piece was made as early as the 1870s! If you're lucky, you may see something that actually indicates which ship the dinnerware sailed on. Along with cross-referencing the maker's marks with verified examples online, you can also use an easy hack to tell if you're handling a piece of porcelain or normal pottery.

Part of the appeal of collecting dishware from the U.S. Navy is that because of its availability, you can find nice pieces at fairly affordable prices — around $40 for a single plate. This is a steal compared to some other antiques, though you can find older or larger pieces going for a couple hundred dollars. The simple yet sophisticated look of these dishes make them perfect for injecting personality into your kitchen without going overboard. And if you're really swept away by the look, the Navy also commissioned items like soap dishes, basins, and silverware, so there's plenty more treasure out there for you to find.