What is Wheeling’s best-known china company from its manufacturing heyday? Warwick China, of course.

If you knew the answer to this question, you are most likely an antiques or local history buff and perhaps a collector yourself. But if you don’t know the answer to this query, then here are the facts.

Warwick was located just adjacent to the current Orrick, Herrington and Sutcliffe site at 22nd and Water streets, and employed thousands over its existence, from 1887-1951. Formed by local businessmen J. R. McCortney, O. C. Dewey, C.J. Rawlings, Albert F. Stifel and A.J. Cecil, the company came into being to fill the needs of a growing middle class.

Warwick produced china of distinction, and many collectors have built an interesting collection around the treasures.

After I received an email inquiry this week from a reader hoping to identify a piece of china done in the Warwick style that was selling for $33, I thought I’d revisit this local topic.

One local collector, Betty June Wymer, donated many examples from her fabulous collection to our local Oglebay Institute Mansion Museum, and they are on display in the Wymer General Store display there, if you want to see more examples.

According to Wymer, the name “Warwick” was inspired by the Warwick Castle in England. The trademark of Warwick China’s initial pieces was a knight’s helmet and crossed swords, reflecting the appealing idea of castles, knights and elegance.

The company might have fired its last piece in 1951 but over the years Warwick has become known for its excellent semi-porcelain dinner, tea and toilet sets; vitrified clay hotel ware and dinnerware. Some of its most desirable pieces are the beautiful decorative vases and other items that include the famous Ladies of the Night series and IOGA ware.

Shown in today’s column are several unusual pieces of Warwick that any collector would love to own. Using decals or hand painting skills of their many artists, Warwick made vases, teapots, coffeepots, pitchers, bowls and jardinieres that are both artistic and attractive.

Popular images include two different sea captains, monks, ladies, dogs, herons, Indians, flowers and even President Lincoln. Flow blue china and delft patterns are also part of the Warwick collectible inventory, and hotel and dinnerware patterns include dozens of numbers.

Other companies made similar styled pieces, using the same decals, so you have to study a bit to learn about Warwick to identify it accurately. But it is an enjoyable hobby that offers interesting china to display in your home. Values for most antique glass and ceramics have fallen due to the general trend in antiques at the moment that seems to reflect Americans’ distraction with buying electronics and gadgets. After all, people only have so much disposable income!

For a complete look at Warwick China, pick up the Schiffer collector volume by former Bridgeport, Ohio, resident (now deceased) John Rader Sr., called simply, “Warwick China” (2000). This hardback book includes hundreds of color photos that illustrate the exciting ceramics. It can be found online at schifferbooks.com and Amazon.

For comments or suggestions on local treasures to be featured in Antique of the Week, Maureen Zambito can be reached via email at: zambitomaureen @hotmail.com or by writing in care of this newspaper.