If you’re unfamiliar with the magical term that is ‘seconds’, it refers to ceramic pieces that have an imperfection and thus have been deemed unfit for sale at full price. Don’t let this deter you, the savvy collector will tell you these types of sales are the perfect place to get your hands on quality ceramics for a better price. Seconds Sales have been a Medalta tradition since at least 1927, but just because they have been happening for almost 100 years doesn’t mean they happen often!

Production Coordinator Lisa Miklash has been a vital part of Medalta’s production ware since 2011 and in that time, Medalta has held 3 Seconds Sales, with the last one being in 2016. She says, “Seconds Sales are a great revenue stream for our not-for-profit museum and in turn, benefits all of our programming as typically, these pieces would not be for sale even though many of their imperfections are very slight or – sometimes – impossible to spot for customers.”

“If it’s been a while since you have stopped by Medalta to check things out, this is a great opportunity to visit and pick up some discounted items,” says Customer Experience Coordinator, Julia Clarke. “There are not many museums where you can buy artefacts that are made there on the spot with original equipment from the 1900’s and we are proud that we can offer that experience.”

What can you expect to find here? We pulled over 4 pallets full of items from our warehouse. Among the pieces are discontinued colours or items that haven’t been in production for years (like peach rimmed bowls, yellow rimmed casserole dishes and globe pitchers), limited edition items that most likely won’t enter production again, and your favourite classics like crocks and bean pots.

Our seconds are discounted for imperfections like being slightly out of round (none are wobbly), slightly smudged stamps, bloats, chips, discolouration, and crazed (fine cracks in the glaze) pieces. All are suitable for food use except for crazed items – those are marked as decorative use only and at a deeper discount.

This sale ran in February of 2020, please keep an eye out for future Second Sales!