This futuristic Salem Tricorne place setting looks like something out of 2001: A Space Odyssey, but it's from the Ohio River Valley, right hear on earth.
WOW!! If that's what you said the first time you saw this Salem Tricorne & Streamline dinnerware, then you and I are twinning. I can't take my eyes off of it!
Where on Earth Did Salem Tricorne Come From?
I was perusing an online store for midcentury items when a photo of this striking set came up, and it literally took my breath away. The seller had picked up a number of these dishes from the art deco collection of the LA County Museum of Art. This triangular shaped pattern, called Salem Tricorne, was produced beginning in the mid 1930's. It was designed by 19-year-old art college student Don Schreckengost during a summer internship with the Salem China Company. This futuristic dinnerware was manufactured in many colors and patterns. But this color, called Mandarin Orange, was the most popular. All colors and patterns remain highly collectible today.
The Salem China Company manufactured dinnerware in Salem, Ohio from 1898 to 1960. The Tricorne Art Deco design refers to the plates, platters, saucers and bowls. They were often sold alongside the Streamline design which included the cups, creamers, lidded sugar bowls, coffee pots, teapots, gravy boats and covered serving bowls.
I Bought Some...Then I Bought More
The day after I purchased two place settings online, Kevin and I were browsing through an antique store. While I was examining some Dorothy Thorpe cocktail glasses, Kevin said "Hey, there's the orange stuff you like." Sure enough, there it was on the bottom shelf of the cabinet behind us. I was shocked to see eight complete sets including the serving platter, all in great condition, right there in front of us -- and at a great price. In spite of the great price, I was hesitant to buy them. Afterall, I had just purchased a set of two, and I didn't need a set of 10. Then he pointed to a sign at the top of the cabinet -- "25% off everything in cabinet." SOLD!
I now own much more Salem Tricorne than I need, so we have started putting some of it to work. You can see it featured on our recipes for cinnamon sour cream coffee cake and Hollywood Monastery Pumpkin Bread. It shows beautifully in photos, so you'll be seeing it featured many more times in our future posts!
If you have any pieces of Salem Tricorne & Streamline dinnerware, we would love to see them. Please tell us about your collection and share a photo or two!
Gladys says
So amazing to see these on your blog. and to hear how you came to own some.
I came upon some at an estate sale, shoved in a cabinet in the garage with a super price. I guess someone thought they wouldn't be of interest to any shopper.
I will keep a bit of it, and sell some as well. It is unique and immediately brings its vintage to mind.
Nancy Blackstone says
I'm always glad to find a fellow fan! These are my favorite dishes; I have many pieces, but I am still searching for 3 11-inch dinner plates in excellent condition. They are VERY hard to find!