Pottery manufacturing includes many variables. From the moment a piece is poured or pressed, it is susceptible to many imperfections. Many items could be handled up to a dozen times before they are shipped to the retailer. It's easy to see just how much can go wrong, even when an expert is making the piece. A piece can become a second at any point in its lifetime in our factory... from as soon as the clay is processed, through each hand that touches it, and even as it's sanded after it comes out of the kiln. When we talk about "seconds", what we're really addressing is a matter of quality. 

The following imperfections are examples of what makes a second a second. 

• Out of Round Shape
• A Glaze Malfuction, Such As Overglazing or Underglazing, or Even a Fingerprint
• Hairline Crack

Just because the pieces aren't up to the full-price or wholesale standards doesn't mean they need to go in the trash. These perfectly imperfect pieces can be sold at a discount... and as long as you don't need a set of  matching plates or mugs... or even if you like to mix-and match pieces... savvy collectors will find the best bang for their buck shopping these "seconds". A good "seconds sale" can turn up items for some shockingly low prices. 

The most important thing to note is that, with the exception of the crack, none of these impact the effectiveness of the item. They are still totally functional, food-safe, dishwasher safe, microwave and conventional oven safe. 

While these products are inspected at least twice, sometimes we miss some. If there are any chips or cracks that are sharp, please bring those to our attention.

Ohio Stoneware

• Handmade in the USA
• Oven Safe
• Microwave Safe
• Dishwasher Safe
• Food Safe
• Lead and Cadnium Free