Unmarked vintage floral print saucer: 70,800 ppm Lead. For context: 90 ppm and up is unsafe in items intended for use by kids.

When tested with an XRF instrument the saucer pictured here (possibly the Mildred pattern by Mount Clemens) had the following readings:

White glazed ceramic area at center of dish:

• Lead (Pb): 67,300 +/- 200 ppm
• Zinc (Zn): 104 +/- 35 ppm
• Iron (Fe): 1,541 +/- 238 ppm
• Vanadium (V): 102 +/- 45 ppm
• Titanium (Ti): 825 +/- 106 ppm
• Non-Detect (negative) for: Mercury, Cadmium, Arsenic, Barium, Chromium, Antimony, Selenium 

Floral print area on edge of dish:

• Lead (Pb): 70,800 +/- 2,300 ppm
• Chromium (Cr): 528 +/- 137 ppm
• Zinc (Zn): 1,099 +/- 94 ppm
• Iron (Fe): 1,494 +/- 250 ppm
• Titanium (Ti): 689 +/- 105 ppm
• Cobalt (Co): 898 +/- 159 ppm
• Non-Detect (negative) for: Mercury, Cadmium, Arsenic, Barium, Antimony, Selenium 

Test results are science-based, replicable and accurate. Testing has been done for a minimum of 60 seconds per test with tests repeated multiple times to confirm the accuracy of the results. A freshly calibrated XRF instrument that is specifically designed for testing consumer goods is used for all test results reported on this website.

Update: While there is no back mark on this piece, my amazing readers informed me it is this pattern (Mildred by Mount Clemens): https://www.replacements.com/webquote/mtcmil.htm?fbclid=IwAR3loViAEDlkThflVo9qaFmTz7YO1DHdOxs4UV7wX2wEDme7gnBym-n0Wb4

How much Lead is too much Lead?

For context the amount of XRF detectable Lead that is considered unsafe (and illegal) in a newly manufactured item intended for use by children is anything 90 ppm or higher in the paint, glaze or coating. Dishware is not covered by this regulatory standard (for total Lead content as detectable with an XRF instrument) because regulatory agencies do not consider dishware to be “items intended for use by children.”

Some additional reading….

• To see more vintage china that I have tested, click here.
• To see more floral pattern china that I have tested click here.
• To read more about the type of testing I do, click here.

As always, please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you for reading and for sharing my posts.

Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama