Pottery & porcelain
Metlox pottery marks include printed “POPPYTRAIL / BY / METLOX / MADE IN CALIFORNIA” on Earthenware in Manhattan Beach, California.
Manhattan Beach operations 1927–1989; predecessor tile business founded 1921. Metlox name and company styles changed during early development.
c. From 1958
Named Della Robbia pattern with flowing Vernon lettering and copyright symbol. Product numbers are not treated as date codes.
printed · Earthenware · Manhattan Beach, California
c. From 1958
Named Vernon Rose pattern with both Hand Crafted and Hand Painted wording. Product numbers are not treated as date codes.
printed · Earthenware · Manhattan Beach, California
c. From 1958
Vernon Ware branding explicitly followed by By Metlox. Product numbers are not treated as date codes.
printed · Earthenware · Manhattan Beach, California
Undated
Lotus name and flower, surrounded by a circular manufacturing/care inscription. Product numbers are not treated as date codes.
printed · Earthenware · Manhattan Beach, California
Undated
General Poppytrail maker inscription without a specific pattern name. Product numbers are not treated as date codes.
printed · Earthenware · Manhattan Beach, California
Metlox began in Manhattan Beach, California, in 1927 under Theodore C. Prouty and his son Willis. Their earlier business made architectural tile in nearby Hermosa Beach. At Metlox they produced ceramic components for illuminated signs before turning increasingly to domestic pottery during the Depression. Brightly colored dinnerware gave the factory a new market, and Poppytrail became one of its best-known names.
The company expanded into decorative pieces, figurines and numerous dinnerware patterns. Wartime work interrupted pottery production, and in 1946 Willis Prouty sold the business to Evan Shaw. Under Shaw, hand-painted tableware became an important part of the range. Designs included naturalistic leaves and flowers, country subjects and more modern abstract decoration. California Ivy was among the long-running patterns.
In 1958 Metlox acquired Vernon Kilns dinnerware moulds and the Vernon name, continuing selected lines with backstamps that identify Metlox as the maker. Lotus, Vernon Rose and Della Robbia are examples of names incorporated into its marks. Later production retained a wide variety of shapes and finishes. Financial difficulties led to bankruptcy and liquidation in the late 1980s, and the Manhattan Beach factory closed in 1989.
Also known as: Metlox Poppytrail · Poppy Trail · Vernon Ware by Metlox · Metlox Manufacturing Company / Metlox Potteries
Earlier Vernon production predates Metlox’s 1958 acquisition. By Metlox wording identifies the later manufacturer.
Other California colorware can resemble early Metlox dinnerware; compare complete maker marks and forms.
