About Coche Stoneware

Identifying Coche Stoneware

• The Coche stoneware mark is a horse-drawn coach. The word "Coche" appears at a descending angle over the coach and "Stoneware" printed straight across below the coach. It's generally printed in black on the base of the stoneware, along with the manufacturer's name, "Eurogres," the information about it being dishwasher safe, and its origin, "made in Portugal." Unused items of Coche stoneware may bear a "made in Portugal" sticker. The unglazed ware shows on the base; this is normal for stoneware.

Coche Stoneware Features

• Coche stoneware is safe for use in dishwashers, ovens and microwave ovens. Stoneware handles heat well, although like all baking dishes it shouldn't be placed on a direct source of heat such as a burner. Coche stoneware features thick, glossy glazes. It's heavy, resists chipping, and like other stoneware items, tends to be durable. Stoneware can last for generations and is less prone to cracks and breakage than ceramics, china and lighter forms of pottery. The Coche stoneware batter bowls feature a pouring spout and a handle, making them convenient to use one-handed. As with other stoneware, lightly oiling Coche bakeware helps to prevent food from sticking.

Colors and Patterns

• Coche stoneware comes in plain glazes, embossed patterns and distinctive spatterware -- also referred to as spongeware and 'splatterware.' Spatterware looks like paint spatters. Coche spatterware includes a medium blue, yellow and pink. One solid color embossed Coche pattern features pillars as a border design. Certain pieces of Coche stoneware are textured. Solid Coche colors include white, blue and yellow. Because the solid colors and spatterware colors all go well together, you can create a set with different colors or patterns, such as setting a table with a solid blue pitcher and blue spatterware plates and displaying Coche bakeware in any colors and patterns in a kitchen hutch.

Coche Stoneware Tips

• Auctions, collectibles dealers and services that specialize in finding replacements for discontinued dishes offer Coche stoneware. Certain patterns and pieces may be difficult to find, but some services take requests and will contact you when they find the piece you want. It can be worth shopping around, if you're looking to complete a set or replace a specific piece, as prices vary widely. Before bidding or purchasing online, check the vendor's reputation and read all the details about returns, shipping costs and fees. Shipping and handling fees can increase the cost of stoneware substantially, as it has a relatively high shipping weight.