Mosaic Tile Company: Zanesville's Industrial and Decorative Tile Pioneer
The Mosaic Tile Company, founded in 1894 in Zanesville, Ohio, by Herman Mueller and Karl Langenbeck, grew into one of America's largest tile manufacturers. While primarily an industrial producer of floor and wall tiles, Mosaic Tile also created decorative tiles, trivets, ashtrays, and figural pieces that are actively collected today. The company operated until 1967, producing both functional architectural tiles and charming novelty items throughout its history.
History and Development
Mueller and Langenbeck brought significant ceramic expertise to their venture. Mueller had previously worked at the American Encaustic Tiling Company, while Langenbeck was a trained ceramic chemist. The company grew rapidly, becoming a major supplier of floor tiles for commercial and institutional buildings across America. Their decorative lines, while secondary to industrial production, showcased the same technical excellence and are the primary focus of today's collectors.
Types and Products
- Floor and wall tiles: Commercial-grade tiles in geometric and plain patterns; the company's primary business
- Decorative tiles: Art tiles with molded designs, often depicting animals, figures, or scenic views
- Trivets and coasters: Small decorative tiles mounted in metal frames; very collectible
- Ashtrays: Figural and decorated ceramic ashtrays
- Paperweights: Figural ceramic weights, often depicting animals
- Commemorative pieces: Special edition tiles for events, organizations, and promotions
Identification and Marks
- Impressed mark: "MOSAIC TILE CO." or "MTC" often impressed on the back
- Paper labels: Some pieces retain original paper labels
- Mold numbers: Numbers impressed or incised on reverse
- Body: Dense, well-fired earthenware or porcelain body typical of Zanesville production
- Glaze quality: Smooth, even glazes in a range of colors including blues, greens, and earth tones
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Decorative art tile panel (multi-tile) | $200 - $1,000 |
| Figural paperweight (rare subject) | $75 - $300 |
| Trivet in metal frame (scenic) | $30 - $100 |
| Single decorative art tile (4"x4" or 6"x6") | $25 - $100 |
| Figural ashtray | $20 - $75 |
| Commemorative tile | $30 - $150 |
| Common floor tile (single) | $5 - $15 |
Condition Factors
- Glaze condition: Chips in the glaze surface are the most common issue; intact glazes are essential
- Metal frame condition: Trivets with original undamaged metal frames are more desirable
- Cracking: Through-body cracks render tiles essentially unsaleable except for study purposes
- Edge chips: Minor edge chips from installation or removal are often accepted in architectural tiles
- Color fidelity: Rich, even color is preferred; faded or uneven glazes reduce interest
Collecting Tips
Mosaic Tile Company trivets in original metal frames offer the most accessible entry point and are the most commonly encountered collectible form. Figural paperweights, particularly those depicting dogs, cats, or other animals, have a dedicated following. Decorative art tiles with scenic or figural designs are increasingly sought by tile collectors and Arts and Crafts enthusiasts. The company's connection to Zanesville, Ohio's pottery capital, adds regional collecting interest. Architectural salvage tiles from institutional installations occasionally appear on the market and can include unusual designs. The company's output was vast, so common floor tiles have minimal collector value, but decorative pieces and novelty items maintain steady interest.