In the middle of the 19^th century, a new material appeared and revolutionized the world of kitchenware. Cheaper and stronger than ceramic, healthier than copper and heatproof, the enamel, created in 1785, became essential.

Its only defect is that it’s absolutely not shockproof! It won’t bother it to make a great career for an all century!

Lovely vintage enamel jug

The first ambition from the manufacturers was to compete the ceramic, then, their aim was to enter in every home. The firsts sets in enamel, luxurious items with ornaments inspired from precious China sets with delicate flowers patterns.

You have at that time a complete set with plates, soup tureen, breadbaskets, tablemats and candlesticks. They are fast replace by some simpler pieces, adapted to a daily use.

At the beginning of the 20^th century, the French enamel manufacturers (like Japy, Emaillerie Parisienne…), the Belgians and Austrians compete fiercely to present a wide range of utensils kitchenware.

You can find enamel everywhere, in shops in towns, in the countryside, by mail. The manufacturers are offering different patterns and colours for every taste, and also to follow the trend.

The sumptuous patterns made by the end of the 19^th century are replaced by more simple patterns since 1910, less expensive they were made with stencils and stamps.  The bright colours (red, orange and turquoise) were much appreciated at that time.  The red and blue gingham patterns knew a big success at that time., just like the Art Deco patterns,  the flecks and the plain patterns with transfers a little later…

They offered complete sets, like 5 pans set with their sisters the big pots. They are really affordable kitchenware but are also easy to clean. So, they developed some oven dishes, milk churns, strivers, even the coffee pots are in enamel. From the 20’s the teapots are all with enamel, some with geometric shapes and jagged lines.

From the 30’s the production decline with some new material. The pans continue to be commercialised, you can find some red and yellow patterns typical for the 50’s and 60’s.

You can still find a lot of different vintage enamel items today and use them as decoration or just as their initial utility. Visit our shop today to discover our great range of vintage enamel jugs and have a look at our Pinterest Board to find plenty of ideas how to use those fabulous Vintage ones!