Buffalo China Restaurant Ware Value Guide

Buffalo China Restaurant Ware is highly collectible due to its historical association with the Larkin Soap Company and its reputation for extreme durability in mid-century American diners. These vitrified ceramic pieces are prized for their heavy-duty construction and iconic forest green double-stripe aesthetic that defined 1940s-1960s commercial dining.

What Is Buffalo China Restaurant Ware Worth?

The typical price range for Buffalo China Restaurant Ware is $45 - $50 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of the classic forest green double stripe design significantly impacts collector interest.
• Overall condition of the vitrified surface, specifically looking for a lack of heavy utensil marks or chips.
• The completeness of the set, such as a stack of plates paired with matching bowls, which currently values around $45-$50.
• Clarity and legibility of the manufacturer's backstamp confirming its 1940-1960 production era.

How to Identify Buffalo China Restaurant Ware?

• Look for the signature forest green double stripe pattern on the rim of the plates and bowls.
• Check the underside for the authentic Buffalo China maker's mark, often including the 'Buffalo' name or logo.
• Verify the heavy-duty vitrified ceramic material, which is noticeably thicker and heavier than standard household china.
• Inspect the glaze for a high-gloss, non-porous finish designed to resist staining and chipping in high-volume environments.

History of Buffalo China Restaurant Ware

Buffalo China was established in 1901 in Buffalo, New York, as a way for the Larkin Soap Company to produce premiums for its customers. It eventually became one of the largest manufacturers of commercial restaurant ware in the United States, known for its extreme durability and 'vitrified' finish that resisted chipping and staining in high-volume environments like diners and railway cars.