How Do You Identify Lenox Patterns?
Lenox names their dinnerware patterns, and many names are indicated by a stamp on the bottom or back of each piece. In addition, alphanumeric codes are stamped on the bottoms and the backs of all pieces and can be used to identify named and unnamed patterns.
Lenox uses two sets of numbers separated by a slash on the stamp of its products. The second set of numbers is the pattern code. The Lenox pattern code includes a letter and a number that indicate the date and sometimes a second letter that indicates a special-ordered background color on the piece.
In the late 1940s, Lenox recognized a need to streamline production and discontinued many patterns. The company named the patterns that it kept and all of the patterns thereafter. Lenox phased out the use of the date-code system after 1950.
In 1910, Lenox patterns were transferred onto dinnerware and then colored in by hand. After that, full-color lithographic decals were used. From 1906 to 1930, Lenox stamped a green wreath on the backs of their pieces. In 1931, the company began to add the words “Made in USA” to the stamp. In 1953, Lenox began to stamp a gold wreath on the backs of its pieces instead of a green wreath.
