Frankoma Pottery: Oklahoma Art Pottery
Frankoma Pottery was founded in 1933 by John Frank in Norman, Oklahoma, and later moved to Sapulpa, Oklahoma in 1938. One of the most recognized American regional potteries, Frankoma produced a distinctive range of dinnerware, sculptural pieces, and decorative art pottery using local Oklahoma clays. The company operated continuously until 2004, with the Frankoma name and molds changing hands several times before final closure in 2010.
Identification and Marks
Frankoma pieces are typically marked on the base with one of several stamps or impressions:
- "FRANK POTTERIES" or "FRANK POTTERY": Very early pieces (1933--1938), made with a light tan Ada clay. These are the rarest and most valuable.
- "FRANKOMA": Post-1938 mark, initially impressed, later stamped or molded. The most common marking.
- Leopard pacing mark: Used briefly in the 1930s--1940s, highly collectible.
- Mold numbers: Most pieces carry a mold/shape number on the base, essential for identification.
- Ada clay vs. Sapulpa clay: Pre-1954 pieces used a tan/cream Ada clay. After switching to Sapulpa's red-brown clay around 1954, the body color changed noticeably. Ada clay pieces are generally more desirable.
Glaze Guide
Understanding Frankoma glazes is essential for both identification and valuation:
- Prairie Green: The most iconic Frankoma glaze -- a rich, matte green that varies from sage to forest green depending on the clay body and firing.
- Desert Gold: A warm tan/gold matte glaze, the second most recognizable Frankoma color.
- Brown Satin: A smooth brown glaze used on many mid-century pieces.
- Woodland Moss: A green-brown combination popular in the 1960s--1970s.
- Black Onyx: A rare, deep black glaze that commands premiums.
- Flame: A red-orange glaze produced in limited quantities.
- Rubstone Red: Used on Sapulpa clay pieces; less collected than Prairie Green or Desert Gold.
Types and Notable Lines
- Wagon Wheel dinnerware: The most iconic Frankoma pattern, introduced in the 1940s. Prairie Green and Desert Gold are the signature glazes.
- Lazybones dinnerware: Mid-century modern design popular in the 1950s--1960s.
- Plainsman dinnerware: Clean-lined tableware produced through the 1970s--1990s.
- Political mugs: Annual election-year mugs (GOP Elephant, Democrat Donkey) produced from 1968 onward. Early examples are highly collected.
- Sculptural pieces: John Frank's original sculptures, including "Puma" and "Fan Dancer," are among the most valuable Frankoma items.
- Christmas plates: Annual limited-edition plates produced from 1965 onward.
Auction Price Ranges
| Item Type | Typical Range | Premium Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Wagon Wheel plate/cup | $5 -- $25 | Rare glazes: $30 -- $75 |
| Lazybones serving piece | $15 -- $45 | Complete sets: $150 -- $300 |
| Political mug (common year) | $5 -- $20 | 1968 first issue: $75 -- $200 |
| John Frank sculpture | $200 -- $2,000 | "Puma" in Ada clay: $1,500+ |
| Christmas plate (early) | $15 -- $60 | 1965 first edition: $100 -- $250 |
| Leopard-mark piece | $100 -- $500+ | Depending on form and glaze |
| Miniatures/experimental glazes | $25 -- $150 | One-of-a-kind test pieces: $300+ |
Condition Factors
- Glaze crazing: Common on older pieces but reduces value for serious collectors. Prairie Green and Desert Gold glazes are relatively stable.
- Chips and cracks: Even small chips significantly reduce value, especially on sculptural pieces.
- Ada clay premium: Pieces made from the original tan Ada clay (pre-1954) consistently bring higher prices than equivalent Sapulpa clay examples.
- Glaze rarity: Unusual or experimental glazes -- such as Black Onyx, Flame, or limited-run colors -- increase desirability.
Collecting Tips
- Learn to distinguish Ada clay (tan/cream body) from Sapulpa clay (red/brown body) by examining unglazed foot rings -- this single factor can double a piece's value.
- The 2008 factory fire destroyed molds and remaining inventory; post-fire pieces are scarce but not necessarily valuable, as quality declined in later years.
- Political mugs are an affordable entry point with strong collector interest, especially inaugural-year issues.
- Join the Frankoma Family Collectors Association for access to identification resources and annual conventions held in Sapulpa.
- Watch for unmarked early pieces; some 1930s production was sold without marks and can be identified only by clay body and form.