1950'S - 1960'S SET OF 7 CERAMIC TUMBLERS

"POPPY TRAIL" BY METLOX

ON BOTTOM THEY SAY MADE IN CALIFORNIA AND EACH NUMBERED

NUMBERS ARE: 33,39,14,29,11,68

6 1/4" TALL X 2 1/2" WIDE

2 HAVE NATURAL CRACKS BUT NOT THOROUGHLY, WILL HOLD WATER

SELLS FOR $25 - $40 FOR 1

WILLING TO SELL ALL 7 FOR $150/OBO

The California company that eventually developed into Metlox Pottery was actually started around 1920 by the Prouty family who sold their wares as ProutyLine Products. Combining parts of the words "metal" and "oxide," the substance that gives the pottery its vibrant colors, eventually derived the Metlox name.

In the late 1920s and early '30s, looking for additional ways to increase revenue during hard times, Metlox began producing housewares that quickly grew in popularity. Prior to that time the company had focused on making large ceramic signs for theaters and other businesses.

The company's foray into the dinnerware business included the Poppy Trail line. This pattern remained a popular seller for years, and even today it has quite a following with collectors.

The earliest mark was "California Pottery" impressed on the first line of dinnerware produced in 1932.

In 1934 "Poppytrail by Metlox" was used. Shortly after "Poppytrail Made in California, U.S.A." was used on dinnerware and artware.

Between 1935 and 1938, "Mission Bell, California" was used on ware produced for Sears.

In the late 30's and early 40's, "C. Romanelli" was used on most of the artware created by Carl Romanelli.

In the 50's an ink-stamped mark of "Poppytrail" superimposed over an outline of the State of California was used .

In the 50's and 60's two marks were used. A circular mark of "Poppytrail by Metlox/Made in California"