2 Metlox Grape Shakers

Lot 230 below. Lot 231 came in two uploads (9 photos, then 16 more - 25 total); I will take that next. 25-Character Title 2 Metlox Grape Shakers (22) Alternates: Grape S&P Shakers Pair (22) Metlox Grape Salt Pepper (24) 2 Poppytrail Shakers (20) HiBid DESCRIPTION TWO METLOX POPPYTRAIL SCULPTURED GRAPE SHAKERS - GRADUATED PAIR Two vintage California earthenware shakers in the Sculptured Grape pattern by Metlox Poppytrail. Each is a bulbous, ring-turned bottle form with a short collared neck and a domed shaker top pierced with two holes, decorated with a single embossed hand-painted cluster of blue grapes, green and gray-green leaves, a pale yellow blossom sprig, and a curling gold-brown tendril on a warm off-white ground. The two are noticeably different heights, so they read as a graduated salt and pepper pair rather than two identical mates, and bidders should assume they may have come together from different sets. Neither shaker has a cork or rubber stopper - both base openings are empty, so replacement plugs will be needed for use. This is the same pattern as the cup and saucer sets, bread and butter plates, and salad plates offered separately in this sale, so bidders assembling a service should watch those lots as well. A small, easy-to-ship accent pair for a country or grape-themed kitchen. Sold as a lot of two shakers. Description Two shakers, both bulbous bottle shapes with turned rings at the shoulder and foot and a domed pierced top. Each top is pierced with two holes; the decoration is a single grape cluster with leaves and tendril on the front, with the reverse largely plain white. Taller shaker measures approximately 4 inches tall and the shorter one approximately 3 inches tall per the tape-measure photograph. The tape hook is standing on the table beside the shakers rather than hooked on the pieces, and the tape sits behind them, so both figures are close estimates only and bidders should verify all dimensions from the photographs. Each base has a recessed unglazed stopper seat with a central hole, impressed around the seat with "METLOX"; no other printed backstamp, number, or pattern name is visible on either piece, so nothing further is claimed. Attribution note Metlox Pottery operated in Manhattan Beach, California, founded in 1927 by T. C. Prouty and his son Willis Prouty, first producing outdoor ceramic signs and then dinnerware under the Poppytrail name from the early 1930s until the plant closed in 1989. Replacements, Ltd. catalogs this pattern as Sculptured Grape by Metlox in the Poppytrail-Vernon line, discontinued, with production running roughly from 1963 to 1986, and describes it as raised blue grapes with green leaves and vines on a white ground. Related colorways exist, including an all-white version and a pink grape version, so buyers matching an existing service should compare colors closely against the photographs. Identification and dating here are offered as the consignor's photo-based opinion and are not guaranteed. Bid on the item as pictured. Condition Used vintage condition, sold as-is. Both stoppers are missing; the base openings are empty and unplugged. Tan and light brown staining rings the unglazed stopper seat and foot area on both shakers, consistent with age and use. Fine crazing is visible in the glaze, most apparent on the shorter shaker. Light scattered surface scuffing and a few faint specks appear on the white ground. The shaker holes appear open but have not been tested for flow. No cracks, chips, or repairs are apparent in the photographs, but the pieces have not been examined under magnification and no such guarantee is made. Photos are part of the description. Notes for bidders Glazed earthenware is not dishwasher or microwave recommended; hand wash gently in warm water and dry thoroughly, taking care that moisture does not sit in the unglazed base. Do not soak crazed pieces, as water can enter the glaze lines and stain the body. Standard replacement rubber or cork shaker plugs are widely available if the buyer intends to use them. Only the piece(s) pictured are included in this lot. Terms Sold as-is, where-is, with no warranty expressed or implied. All sales final. Please ask any questions before bidding. Buyer is responsible for pickup or shipping arrangements per auction terms.