Kitchen items date from early 20^th century

 Q: Hi Michelle, we found this at my mom’s house; an aluminum tray with a porcelain plate inset in the center. Can you please tell me something about it and what it is worth? Thank you.

A: The hammered aluminum tray with the American Limoges plate insert has a lot of information on the back of the plate

When seeing the word “Limoges” on an item, one automatically thinks of the high-end bone china and porcelain made in the Limoges region of France. When you see “American Limoges” on a piece of china we see that we Americans aren’t so dumb after all. American Limoges started as the Sterling China Co. out of Sebring, Ohio around 1901. They produced quality dinnerware and assorted items for the American market. When it became evident that the people preferred imported dinnerware from Europe the Sterling China Co. re-branded itself in 1904 with a name change to the “Limoges China Co.” and started producing less expensive, semi-porcelain products, which flew off the shelves like crazy.

The word “Triumph” that appears as part of the mark on the plate refers to the “Triumph” shape that Limoges China introduced in 1937. This shape was designed by Victor Schreckengost, who is considered to be one of the most important ceramists of his day.

The plate also gives us the pattern name, Imperial Victorian. The gilt detailing on the plate is 22K white gold. We can see that the plate was made for Farberware, another iconic U.S. company. The aluminum surrounding the plate is nice and bright with hammered handles and what looks to be a poppy design.

Farberware began operation in 1900 by S.W. Farber, a tinsmith who set up shop in a basement in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. He pounded sheets of copper and brass and created a variety of vases, bowls and gift items. As the company grew so did the product line and the creation of collaborative efforts with other companies, such as Limoges China in this case. Farberware is still in operation today.

** All prices given are for sale in a private sale, antique shop or other resale outlet. Price is also dependent upon the geographic area in which you are selling. Auction value, selling to a dealer or pawn shop prices are about ½ or less of resale value.

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