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Collecting Creamer-and-Sugar Sets

© Barbara Nicholson Bell

Among my many collecting passions, are several sets of creamers and sugar bowls. A few of these are part of larger sets for serving beverages or components of a set of dinnerware. Most of them, however, have become separated from their "families" over the years, and I purchased them as pairs. I also have orphan creamers and sugar bowls, which remain mysteries.

I don't know why I'm drawn to these little dainties of the china world. Perhaps because they tend to be inexpensive compared to larger, more complete dinnerware sets. Or maybe I'm impressed that they have survived when the platters and gravy boats did not.

My collection is eclectic, which is fine with me. I have not been terribly interested in post-WWII dinnerware, with the exception of those "made in Japan" or "Occupied Japan", and Frankoma. Most, but not all, of the sets were mass produced in the early 20th century.

Here is a page of photos of five sets of creamer-and-sugar sets which are in my collection. Although the photos are large, the file sizes are small, so it shouldn't take too long to open the page: Collecting Sugar and Creamer Sets

The first pair are by Frankoma. This Oklahoma pottery company is described in my July 1999 article here: Frankoma. The height of the sugar bowl is only 3", so they really are dainty in spite of the chunky design. There is a matching tea or chocolate pot with a cork stopper, and a small oval tray. By themselves, the creamer and sugar are valued at about $25.

I would estimate the value of the second pair in the same neighborhood. This is a pair marked Royal Albert, and probably dates from the 1960's-1970's. Royal Albert is now a part of the Royal Daulton group. It is rarely found listed separately in today's price guides.

The next pair are the distinctive blue and white pattern known as the Phoenix or Flying Turkey. This was a very popular pattern between the two world wars, exported from Japan for sale in dime stores throughout the US. This particular duo are marked "Made in Japan", and the transfer of the pattern is crude. The height of the sugar is about 3 1/2" to 4". Current value would be about $20 or less.

My imagination allows me to guess that the next pair were purchased in a London tea shop many years ago, perhaps by my grandmother or an aunt. Along with a charming teapot, the pieces are impressed with the mark "Lipton Tea" on the bottom. The teapot is the classic English Brown Betty shape, made in Staffordshire for many generations, and still very popular.