The Valuable, Century-Old Lenox Pattern That Collectors Are Thrilled To Find

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Looking for a timeless yet unique design for your dinner table? Or are you searching for the next resell treasure? The Lenox Autumn pattern could be your next vintage obsession.

The Lenox Autumn pattern debuted in 1918 and is still going strong over 100 years later. The center decal features hand-applied raised enamel dots that make up the fruit and flower pattern. With a name like Autumn, you may expect leaves and pumpkins, but this design goes in a different direction. The pattern brings shades of blue and gold with hints of red, orange, and green to tables that usually see browns and oranges in the fall. The unique blue-and-gold pairing complements the traditional colors of the season, but are classic enough to be used all year long. It's an investment beyond just the Thanksgiving table.

The Lenox Autumn pattern is still available brand new, but is pricey for those looking for a full collection or simply a piece or two to add to their collection. A single plate is $90 on the official Lenox site. If you're looking for resale options, remember there are plenty of places to buy antique dishware that aren't thrift stores, including estate sales and eBay. At the time of writing, the oval platter is listed for $75 on eBay, while a 4-piece set is just under $500. 

The first Autumn pattern was designed and distributed in 1918, with a reintroduction in 1966. Many listings note it is "Presidential," which refers to the shape of the dishware or to the fact that Lenox china was often chosen by the First Family. There is no evidence that the pattern was used in the White House. The original run was fine ivory bone china, with later runs made of porcelain. The modern pieces are dishwasher safe, but hand-washing with the right soap is recommended for the vintage finds.

To verify the authenticity of the Autumn pattern, check the back of the plate. The underside will carry the design copyright and will give you an idea of when the piece was made. The "L" of Lenox will be prominent, and the copyright color will indicate its date. For Autumn, generally a black or green stamp indicates the dishware was made before 1926, and mix of green/black was used from 1906 to 1926. A gold copyright stamp started mid-century, right around the reintroduction. The numbers listed under the copyright indicate its pattern code and model, and a Google search can help match the set. 

Thrifting an Autumn pattern means you get the classic look for less, and if you want to resell, you can get the most bang for your buck. While there's plenty of valuable vintage dinnerware to look for, this beautiful design is an absolute treasure to find.