El Rancho, Japanese Copy of Desert Rose
El Rancho was made by the United China and Glass Company (UCAGCO)in Japan and imported sometime between 1950 and 1962. El Rancho was not authorized by Gladding, McBean to be made or distributed. El Rancho is an unauthorized copy of Gladding, McBean’s Franciscan Desert Rose pattern designed by contract designer Annette Honeywell. Desert Rose was conceptualized prior to 1941, and was manufactured beginning in 1941.
UCAGCO actually means United China and Glass Company. Its offices were based in New Orleans and New York. Ucagco was primarily a distributor of dinnerware and glassware. They were the distributor of many Japanese china patterns during the early 1950s. United China & Glass Co. Inc., better known as UCAGCO, dating back to 1850. Founded by Abe Mayer and originally called Abe Mayer & Co., the importer did business throughout the Southeast U.S. as well as Central and South America. It wasn’t until the 30s that the company took on the official trademark of UCAGCO and began expanding overseas. In fact, after the war, the company’s agent in Japan, S.A. Stolaroff signed the very first contract allowing imports from Japan. A talented ceramic designer himself, Stolaroff worked alongside many Japanese potteries to lead the company’s line of ceramics. In 1956, UCAGCO was sold to Sammons Enterprises and in 1962, Stolaroff, who had become the company’s president, retired.