Q: We inherited this tankard and mug set and I’m interested in finding out the manufacturer’s name. We really appreciate any help you can provide.
A: This “TST” mark with a small star at the bottom was used by Taylor, Smith & Taylor of Chester, West Virginia. The pottery was in business from 1901 to 1982. This mark was used from 1908 to about 1915. This shape tankard and stein is called Chester, which was made about 1915. Monks are often pictured on beer steins and related items. During the Middle Ages most people drank beer instead of water, which was often unsafe to drink. Monasteries made beer for their own use and to sell to support themselves. Hall China used this same decal on a white background on one of its beer sets sometime after 1930. Anchor Hocking bought Taylor, Smith & Taylor in 1973. The factory closed in January 1982.
