Mysterious Noritake China?

Question

Ok I inherited a 12 seating set of China from my grandmother. She got it as a wedding gift between 1930-1940 a little after the great depression. It has a mark on the back that looks like this, NORITAKE above a M surrounded by a wreath, HANDPAINTED is under the wreath with JAPAN under that. This is all in a light green. The pattern is very hard to describe and i have no clue what it's name is. Is there a site where i could find this?

Answer 1

EBay offers a simple guide to Noritake.  From their guide (at the link) I copied this :

"Different eras of Noritake china feature different hallmarks.  The earliest bear a wreath encircling an "M," which stands for founder Morimura, and the words "hand-painted."  Prior to 1921, the word "Nippon" (which simply means "Japan") appears.  After 1921, "Nippon" is replaced with "Japan" or "Made in Japan."  During the war years, the simple "Japan" reference will change to "Occupied Japan"  After 1953, the simpler, original hallmark will be reinstated, only featuring an "N" for Noritake in stead of Morimura's "M.""

Sounds like you may have a very early set.  You can get a current  price estimate on EBay also and their auctions (search both current and completed auctions) have pictures which may match yours.

good luck

Answer 2

www.replacements.com/identify.htm has a large selection of vintage china.  I would see what they offer if the Noritake site isn't helpful.

Answer 3

i AGREE WITH THE FIRST GUY

Answer 4

The company still has a website. Here's the link:

http://www.noritakechina.com/history.htm