Tea Leaf

Chelsea China Co. was in production between 1886 and 1896 (different sources state the opening was either a year before or a year after) but all agree it was in the late 1880s.  While no founder names are available, Hugh Robertson was appointed manager whent the pottery opened.  Sources say that the plant changed hands many times during its short history.

Cartwright Bros. Pottery & Co. was founded by father, William Cartwright Sr., and sons Thomas, William, Jr. and Samuel.  The pottery was in production between 1880 and 1927.  Sometimes this pottery used a unique "lying down" Tea Leaf motif (named such by Annise Heaivilin).  

Buffalo Pottery began operation in 1901 and continues to this day.  It was organized by William J. Rhea, a former employee of Mayer China Company of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania and of Trenton Potteries of Trenton, New Jersey.  The company was originally founded to produce premiums for customers of Larkin Soap Company.
There is only one known piece of Buffalo Pottery adorned with the Tea Leaf motif.  A photograph of the platter owned by author, Annise Heaivilin, appeared in her book Grandma's Tea Leaf Ironstone.

Burford Brothers was founded by brothers Oliver, George and Robert Burford.  This potter was in existence from 1882 to 1902.  The pottery became known for the quality of its decorative work.

William Brunt, Jr. & Co. operated from 1865 to 1878.  The founder began making white ware at the East Liverpool pottery in 1877.  In 1878, his son William and son-in-law, Brad Louthan, joined him and the company name changed to William Brunt, Son & Co.  It operated under this name until 1911.

Tempest, Brockmann & Co. was founded in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1862 by Messrs. M. and N. Tempest along with Christian E. Brockmann.  In 1881, the company reorganized under the name Tempest, Brockmann and Sampson Pottery Co. using the English lion and unicorn mark with the letters T. B. & Co. underneath.  In 1887, the pottery was purchased by the only surviving member of the firm, Christian E. Brockmann and became Brockmann Pottery Company.
The only Tea Leaf decorated pieces that have been found to date are cups and saucers.

Brockmann Pottery Company was organized by Christian E. Brockmann in 1887.  Originally the pottery was established by Messrs. Tempest, Brockmann & Co. in 1862 and used the English lion and unicorn mark with T. B. & Co. underneath.  In 1881, the name was changed to Tempest, Brockmann & Sampson Pottery Co.  After 1887 when it became Brockmann Pottery Co., the same English lion and unicorn mark was used; however, beneath the mark appeared the letters B. P. Co.  The pottery was located in the West End of Cincinnati on Richmond Street.  Mr.

Bahl Potteries, Inc. was in operation in 1940 and 1941 and only produced one known body style.  The owner's prior work history included being a designer for Edwin M. Knowles Co. (1910) and a partner in an East Liverpool Ohio (ELO) decorating firm.  
To date, the only known Tea Leaf pieces made by this potter are small bowls.

Years of Operation: 1884-1925

Anchor Pottery was first owned by Israel Lacey.  Lacey owned the pottery from 1884 until his death in 1897.  After Lacey's death, the pottery was taken over by a partnership between James E. Norris, Frank S. Jones and Cyril D. Jones from 1897 to 1926. The later built the business up to 250 employees operating 14 kilns.  In the early 21st century some of the pottery buildings still existed on New York Avenue.  

The leaves of the Tea Leaf motif used by this firm are very spikey.

In 1876 American Crockery company was producting white granite wares.  The mark used was the English Lion & Unicorn with the initials of the company underneath it.