c1860's 7 inch Porcelain Baseball Plate

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Posted By: CarltonHendricks

I got this in the mail today. I've seen these in the hobby, but this is the first one I've bought. I only have a cursory knowledge of these plates. I've always understood them to be referred to as ABC plates, and I think they were intended/marketed as child's plates. You can see the alphabet in relief around the rim. The pitcher has his pant legs tied at the akle, which says 1860's to me. I like that it says AMERICAN SPORTS at the top, so you know 100% sure it's American Baseball, or Base Ball I should say! The photo of the full front looks darker than it does in person., the close in shot of the pitcher is pretty right on as far as the color tint of the white. The printing of the player is a teal green.

I think I've seen other plates with this same format of other player positions, batter etc., with the same green color printing. I believe the illustration was applied by what's called the "transfer ware" method. Though I don't know the exact principles of transfer ware, I think it was just a printing method, and you see a lot of transfer ware porcelain in the antiques world.

The dark mark under the "A" is old tape adhesive, that I have to clean off with lighter fluid when I get it home. It's in pretty nice shape. I emailed Keith Schneider of Gasoline Alley Antiques in Seattle http://www.gasolinealleyantiques.com/ to learn more about it. Below is Keith's insightful response:

Keith, How often do you see this plate? 7 inch diameter, paid $250.00, how'd I do? -Carlton
ANSWER: nice item. back in the old days I used to turn a couple a year in the Midwest area when we would SCOUR the countryside. have seen VERY FEW in the last 10 years. one of my most favored early items. great display piece! you will most definitely enjoy it! congrats. Keith

K, how ya think I did on the price? What's retail? thanks -C
ANSWER: retail USED to be in the $350 to $450 range back in the 90's. have not offered one for sale in years. I really do not have a clue anymore. I note yours had a couple very tiny pin flakes. not much crazing or age discoloration. my gut feel would say in the $300 area.

Unquote: Good ol'Keith, I can always depend on him for the straight dope on stuff! If anyone knows more about this plate, would welcome the input very much! -Carlton