Denby Pottery by Shepherd Hills

I appreciate fine dishes and I assure you these folks do too. I became introduced to Denby stoneware at some upscale department stores and figured I could never afford it. I mean $ 50 for a dinner plate? $ 25 for a tea cup? I did a quick google search on Denby seconds and found Shepherd Hills. That same dinner plate for $ 50 was now an affordable $ 11, the truffle oval platter MSRP $ 115 was for sale around $ 28. After placing my test order online (a few bowls, teacups, tea plates and large oval platter) I received a phone call from a lovely person in Lebanon, MO confirming my order and letting me know that they were hand picking the pieces in my order. The sales rep did want to mention that the oval platter had a small dimple in the lacquer and had some minor scratches. She wanted to know if I still was OK with the piece, and if so, they would sent out my order. I said sure, after all– it was only $ 28, and I could return it (minus S&H) so minimal risk.
Today I received my package. At first I thought the S&H was a little steep. I think on a $ 200 order I paid $ 30 to S&H. Let me tell you– these pieces arrived wrapped in bubble wrap cocoons that I had to open with kitchen shears– they were so tightly wrapped. Every piece was delicately wrapped in variations of bubble wrap and then cushioned with paper wrappings. I see now why they probably have to charge a little extra for packing supplies.
I opened the pieces to examine them carefully. The oval platter the sales rep called to tell me about did have the most minor scratches, barely visible to the human eye, and the most minor tiny dot in the paint. I showed it to a few friends and they had to stare at the spot to see it. The rest of the pieces were flawless– they honestly did not look like seconds.
I typically do not write reviews, but this place is a gold mine. For less than $ 700 I was able to secure over 8 place settings, along with a pitcher, casserole dish, lasagna dish, serving bowl, tea cups and saucers, a variety of bowls (I bought the pasta, rice, wide rim cereal, and soup) and I can honestly say you would spend over $ 5k for the same collection buying in a big box store.
Try it out– you won’t be disappointed!