Plate (Dinner plate)

Description

Sometimes is known as the "States Border" or "America and Independence" series, this pattern is said possibly to commemorate the 50th anniversary (1826) of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The border edging such wares bears the names of fifteen states: "KENTUCKY," "NEW JERSEY," "MARYLAND," "NEW YORK," "DELAWARE," "VIRGINIA," "NEW HAMPSHIRE," "MASSACHUSETTES," "RHODE ISLAND," "CONNECTICUT," "N. CAROLINA," "S. CAROLINA," "GEORGIA" and "VERMONT." Rather than portraying American scenes, however, the central reserves in this series are based on copperplate engravings portraying English estates, published by William Marshal (London, 1825-28). Archaeological evidence for such wares has been found in Philadelphia and at the Gadsby's Tavern site in Alexandria, VA