ABC

ABC plates, or children's alphabet plates, were most popular from 1780 to 1860, but are still being made. The letters on the plate were meant as teaching aids for children learning to read. The plates were made of pottery, porcelain, metal, or glass. Mugs and other items were also made with alphabet decorations. Unusual examples of ABC plates include those with an alphabet in Braille or in sign language. For more information, explore our identification guides for ABC plates and other pottery and porcelain.