Antique Marks

From the details forwarded I can advise that the plate in question is made of Queen?s Ware (cream coloured earthenware), and is of the shape/form known as ?Edme?.

Edme shape was originally designed by John E. Goodwin, who was Art Director at the old Etruria factory from l904 to l934. He first commenced to design the 'Edme' shape in l908, and the range was completed by l9l2. Such was its subsequent popularity that a wide range of items in the Edme shape including dinner ware, tea ware and ornamental items such as vases have continued to be produced from this time up to and including the present day. Edme can either be issued as a plain shape, or can be further enhanced by the addition of painted or printed enamel decoration.

Unfortunately I was not able to identify the print and enamel design used on the plate as obviously there is no pattern name or number visible ? from the details of the ?Trial? marks on the reverse indicating ?No 17 test?, it would seem that the plate was one of the ?test? plates often produced by the Wedgwood (Barlaston) factory ? and prior to that the Etruria Works ? often if they were testing new colours, a new pattern, or something similar they would run ?tests? plates of this type to see how colours etc., or even body mixes, reacted in the electrical fired kilns here at Barlaston.

The coded date impressed mark 8B50 would indicate that this plate was made in August (the eighth month) 1950 ? and, as was often the practice with these ?tests? pieces, after they had been fully utilised for factory purposes, they were then offered for sale in the seconds warehouse to factory employees ? and following this would make their way on to the secondhand market.