Hello from Downunder
 
I received a phone call today from a local agricultural museum.  The curator
wanted to know if it would be appropriate to include items of enamelled
kitchenware,(i.e. enamel-coated steel vessels) specifically cooking pots,
(but I guess one could also include enamel drinking mugs, mixing bowls,
candle holders etc) in a 1870s-80s farm house kitchen display they are
setting up. Obviously, their appropriateness or otherwise in an 1870-80
display depends on when enamelled pots etc first appeared on the market.
 
I can't recall uncovering enamelled wares in pre 1900 sites but I appreciate
absence of evidence, does not mean they didn't exist prior to the turn of
the century. I would appreciate any information or references on when
enamelled kitchen wares first appeared, patents, manufacturers, the
enamelling process etc.
 
Thanks in anticipation
 
Neville Ritchie