I have 5 Porcelain Ramekin and Underplates that are Marked I.G. Dillon Co West Virginia. They also have a marking with a W in the center that looks like wheat surrounding the W. As well, there is a hand-painted 562 on the plate. I am trying to determine any information related to this, including dating, more information on the potter, and pattern. Any help is appreciated.
I.G. Dillon was a jeweler who partnered with W.A. Turner to establish Turner & Dillon in Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1875. Dillon became the sole owner in 1880 and changed the name of the business to I.G. Dillon Co. It became I.G. Dillon & Co. in 1887. By 1890 it was the largest jewelry company in West Virginia. It sold jewelry, clocks, watches, silver, and pottery made by other companies. The conjoined “WV” mark was used by the Ohio Valley China Company in Wheeling. It started as the West Virginia China Company in 1887. It became Ohio Valley China Company in 1891. The company made porcelain tableware, hotel ware, and artistic wares. It was in business until at least 1893.