Antique Tin ABC Plate Nursery Rhyme, Who Killed Cock Robin I, Said the Sparrow With My Bow and Arrow I Killed Cock Robin
Description: An Antique ferrous metal or tin ABC Plate. The plate is stamped and shows a bird perched on a branch in its flat center. The center rises with slightly curved short side walls to a flat rim. The plate's flat rim is slightly slanted towards the center. The rim displays the alphabet from A to Z. The center has the famous nursery rhyme which goes "Who killed cock robin; I, said the sparrow, with my bow and arrow; I, killed cock robin" surrounding the image of the bird. This plate has seen quite a bit of use and lost most of its finish showing the bare metal throughout the top of the plate. The bottom of the plate is better preserved and shows what the plate must have looked like when it was new. Please view photos as they are part and parcel of our description.
Additional Information: Interestingly, 'Who killed cock robin?' is best described as an English folksong or poem rather than a nursery rhyme. The words of "Who killed cock robin" are said to refer to the death of the legendary figure of Robin Hood and not that of a bird. The legend of Robin Hood encompasses the theme that he stole from the rich to give to the poor. The words of "Who killed cock robin" describe how help was offered from all quarters following the death of cock robin thus reflecting the high esteem in which Robin was held by the common folk.
Date: Mid to late 1800's.
Origin: Was acquired at an estate in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Size: The plate measure ~8" diameter and is ~1/2" high.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Unmarked as to the maker.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: This is a nice piece of Americana that would display nicely in any collection.
Condition: The plate is in good condition given its age and utilitarian function. As we indicated above the top of the plate lost most of its finish (the tin) and shows the darkened rough surface of the metal. The plate has some minor dings where the edge was pushed in these can be seen in the fourth photo showing the back with the worst being at about 1 o'clock. The piece has some scratches and ware commensurate with its age and utilitarian function. Please view photos to appreciate the beauty and condition of the piece.
