| Information on Staffordshire Liberty Blue |
| The Benjamin Franklin Federal Savings and Loan was a large financial institution in the Pacific Northwest. It was established in 1925 and the first office opened in Portland, Oregon. In order to commemorate their 50th anniversary in 1975, the Board of Directors looked for something special to offer their account holders. They contacted the Enoch Wedgwood Company, located in the historic Staffordshire district of England, to develop a unique pattern of ironstone dinnerware for the Benjamin Franklin S & L. The result was the blue and white Liberty Blue design that was made exclusively for them. Fifteen different historic scenes from the American colonial period were used on the Liberty Blue dinnerware. The border has a mixture of wild flowers, and a historic scene is in the center of each piece. On the backs, most pieces have a unique backstamp with an eagle holding a flag shield and in the center there is a banner with the words”Original copper engravings of historic colonial scenes printed on Staffordshire Ironstone. Detergent and Dishwasher safe.” Above the eagle are the words “Liberty Blue.” Directly below the shield are the words “Made in England.” Finally, at the bottom, is the name of the scene. It is ironic that this Colonial American design was created in England, since this dinnerware was made to coincide with the American Bicentennial of Independence from England that was celebrated in 1976. Liberty Blue dinnerware was made for two years and coincided with the American Bicentennial celebrations. In the October, 1976, issue of the Benjamin Franklin S & L’s newsletter, an article was written announcing the end of the promotion on December 31st. Sometime after 1976, the Liberty Blue dinnerware design was released to be sold in national grocery stores on a limited run. For so many dollar purchases of groceries, you could buy a different piece. Each week there would be a different item to purchase. This article contains excerpts from book Liberty Blue Dinnerware by Debbie and Randy Coe. Published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd. Copyright 2002. Please click here to see the Liberty Blue items that we have for sale. |
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