Transferware Sherd
Glazed ceramic
Markings and exact colorations may vary.
A fragment of patterned tableware, blue or brown printed designs softened by the surf.
- Typical size
- 0.5–2 in
- How often it turns up
- Uncommon
- Collecting
- Archaeological, leave in place
- Handling
- Safe to handle
Loose modern pieces may be collected where permitted. Leave artifacts in state/federal parks, preserves, protected historic or archaeological sites, shipwrecks and submerged cultural sites; check local rules.
How to tell it apart
- Printed pattern under a glossy glaze
- White or cream body
- Rounded edges from tumbling
Found one?
Photograph it and BeachNut ranks the likely matches with a confidence read, then logs it to your collection with the beach and date.
Browsing beaches and the full field guide is free. A free account logs unlimited finds and gives you three photo identifications a day.
Commonly confused with
Spongeware SherdSponge-decorated earthenware
Spongeware has irregular dabs; transferware shows a more continuous printed design.
Glazed Tile SherdGlazed ceramic tile fragment
Tile usually has a flat back and thick straight body; tableware curves into a dish.
Flow Blue SherdFlow-blue decorated ceramic
Flow blue has a blurred blue halo around the pattern; ordinary transferware retains crisper printed lines.
Tin-glazed Earthenware SherdTin-glazed earthenware
Tin glaze is opaque and may bear brush-painted marks; transferware has a printed pattern beneath clear glaze.
More beach pottery in the field guide
Get the weekend beach score by email
Before each weekend: which Florida beaches score best for finds. No spam, unsubscribe any time.