Oil Derricks 49H: Type 1
1940-1943
Although the Oil Derricks did not make it into the 1942 or 1943 Frankoma catalog collectors can easily find examples from the early post-fire period. They are best identified by the shallow rounded plug depression, similar to the Type 1 Teepees. Also, any Derrick with the Frankoma oval "o" base mark or glazed in any glaze not used after 1943 will be Type 1 issues.
Not being illustrated in the catalogs of the day probably resulted in low production runs. This group is therefore a lot more diffiult to find than the early teepees. Obtaining a variety of glazes is especially difficult.
I felt especially lucky to be able to assemble the small group here hand marked on the base "Nebraska's First Oil Well, Falls City, Nebr." Four of the nine glazes I have are represented in this group. The first producing oil well in Nebraska was Bucholz Well No. 1 located about 4 miles west of Falls City. Production began on 22 April, 1940. Frankoma shakers used at the celebration probably were made in late 1939. Certainly this confirms a 1940 start date for the Dericks.