Collector’s Gallery with Dr. Anthony Cavo – Lenox Plates

Q: Could you please tell me the origin and value of these Lenox plates inherited from my grandmother and mother? The plates measure approximately 7 1/2 inches in diameter, and the center hand-painted scenes are approximately 4 inches wide. They are in excellent condition although “well-traveled.” Above the Lenox wreath marking, each dish has handwritten […]

Dictionary of Marks

The first American porcelain was made in the 18th century. Few factories stayed in business for long until the late 1800s. By then, there were several American companies making porcelain. Many made utilitarian items like tableware and toilet sets, but some made fine hand-painted decorative pieces, too. Around the mid-20th century, American porcelain production declined […]

Fine Dinnerware

Fine china is not just for holidays anymore. Increased home entertaining has given rise to using fine old china—once considered old-fashioned—for entertaining and family dinners. People are discovering that Haviland, Lenox, Delftware, Royal Copenhagen and Wedgwood plates and serving pieces make everyday meals look special. There was a 39 percent increase in searches for fine […]

Egg-actly the Right Time for Collectible Deviled Eggs Platters 

This is the time of year that many pull out a plate they haven’t seen for a year — the deviled egg platter, or egg plate, with its perfect oval indentations. Deviling is a term for mixing hot spices into foods. Serving deviled eggs is common during the Easter season. The deviled egg first became […]

Belleek

The glaze on belleek closely resembles a piece of polished mother-of-pearl. It is creamy yellow. Occasionally, pieces are decorated with gold or very pale colors. The open basketwork designs are, perhaps, the most famous. Dishes were made to resemble shells or flowers. A few pieces were made of belleek with a Parian figure incorporated into […]