Enigma Resolved

If you read my Enigma blog last week, then you know that I was on to something. Yes, I won the bid on Ebay and I am now the proud owner of a tray, #716. Given in 1956 as a wedding present to the sellers mother and never used. Still in the original box, which is the only reason we have a number because there is no stamp, it is on its way to my collection. Here is a sneak preview from the seller's post

 

The tray, a polished steel with a rope edge, it is the floral stamp in the center that is identical to my recent find of a casserole holder with a brass colored tulip final and brass handles.

 

 

 

Above, the box that it was shipped in.

 

 

 

Another view of the central stamp. Compare that to the stamp on the casserole lid.

 

 

 

 

On the down side, I lost a bid for something I had wanted. A butter dish with the lid that matched the catalog page I had from 1955. Below is a picture that some lucky collector acquired while I couldn't make a connection to the web from inside my place of employment. I so need an emoji right now.....

 

 

Well here is what I was outbid on.

 

 

Check out my earlier blog of the catalog page and you will see this breakfast susan. I own #400, with the traditional finial on the butter dish. I don't know if this carries the same number.

 



 

 

Rodney Kent ... NAKED

All these no stamp items are missing the tulip bouquet on the front. They do have a stamp on the back. It is the KnightHead stamp and the number is distinctly stamped. This is a late 50's or 60's era  item. The Stamp was the last logo used in the line. All the pieces are very heavy metal. All have thick picot edges. None have tulip stamps or handles. Many have a  soup bowl rim.

 

My latest finds in the no stamp category.

 

Number 401 No Stamp

 

402 No Stamp

 

 

 

 

406 No stamp

407 No Stamp

 

 

 

Number 408 No Stamp

 

 

 

 Number 409 No Stamp

 

 

Number 506

This has the weight and size of 406 NoStamp but a new stamp is introduced. It is the Sunflower Motif. I have only seen 1 other piece floating out there. I'm pretty sure there is a full set that goes to at least 509.

 

 

 

 

As the holes for identification  fill up, new ones open. Stay tuned. I just bought a chip dip plate from the No Stamp collection which should arrive any day. If you act fast, #401 is on eBay NOW. Happy hunting.

 

I don't own this one, but this is 503 with the sunflower stamp.

The NO STAMP collection
400
401	12 3/4" Round bowl, soupbowl rim	KNIGHT
402	12 3/4"  round bowl, soupbowl rim	KNIGHT
403
404
405	oval bread tray	KNIGHT
406
407	rectangle bread tray	KNIGHT
408	16" square  tray with  1" rim	KNIGHT
409	16" Diameter Salad bowl with rim	KNIGHT
410
411
412	16 X12 Rectangle tray with 1" rim	KNIGHT
462	charger plates with rim	KNIGHT
463
464	Chip and dip plate	KNIGHT



 

 

This isn't an advertisement but this is what I have found that brings back the polish and shine of Rodney Kent. It is the only thing that consistently works and it may be because the aluminum in Rodney Kent, as maybe with other pieces too, is not pure aluminum but aluminum and magnesium. Used for Mag Wheels and easily fount in the auto department of many stores, it is what I polish my pieces with. I never polish the backs. that way the age shows.

 

Rodney Kent Enigmas

While I haven't written much this summer, it hasn't stopped me from acquiring new Rodney Kent that I've never seen. Now it is possible that like one of my previous blogs, some finds could be copies. SO I have been ever more diligent in examining them before I made a pronouncement.

Exhibit A

 

I picked this up on EBay recently. It came complete with the tag. The person who sold it told me that the tag was on at the estate sale she purchased this from. She has owned it for 12 years. The tag is stamped so that if I am to use it as a marker, it would be pre-1943. Almost nothing on it matches design-wise. I have never seen that decorative  stamping. I have never seen Brass  or gold colored trimmings. It definitely is not hammered aluminum. Yet, the tulip finial is exactly Rodney Kent. The petal detail is all there. I don't know what to think. Anyone have an opinion?


HOT UPDATE!!!
 This may indeed be the real thing with a production date of around 1956 and a number in the 700 series. More on this in a few days