Circa 1820s-1830s: Dark blue historical Staffordshire transferware with American scenes are the most collected and desirable of the English transferware made for the American market, and smaller plates, such as this lovely 8 1/4" plate depicting the Philadelphia library are more difficult to find than their larger counterparts. This example from the Beauties of America series features Ridgway's floral border and is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs, and only a few light knife marks noticable upon close inspection when the plate is tilted purposefully into the light. This is a fine piece of early 19th century historical Staffordshire and will fit beautifully into a collection of early ceramics or historical wares.
Bob Zordani and Heidi Kellner: (217) 714-5016, Lexington, Virginia: zandk@zandkantiques.com
