Antique 1780-1788 Pewter ~8" Plate By Joseph Danforth Middletown, CT USA
Description: An antique pewter plate from Middletown Connecticut, USA. This plate has a ~1 1/8" wide curved rim with a raised rounded edge. The plate has a depressed center decorated with an incised line near where the rim starts. The rim itself also has an incised line near the rolled edge. The pewter plate is ~8" in diameter and ~5/8" in height. The rim of the plate has a raised rounded edge. The plate has a fairly shallow center with a decorative incised line along its periphery. The plate has two similar marks on the underside. The marks show a standing lion facing left with tung out with the words "JOSEPH" above and presumably "DANFORTH" below. Both marks are covered with an old label that is a bit fragile and which we chose not to remove. There is also a mark I.D. and one having a dagger and a third that is not clear. Presumably there should be a fourth mark according to Jacobs (Guide to American Pewter), but that one is worn off. The marks are similar to mark 95 in Jacobs (Guide to American Pewter). The plate was made by Joseph Danforth, who was active in Middletown, Connecticut in the period 1780-1788. A nice antique pewter plate, which would make a nice addition to your collection. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: Uncertain, but Joseph Danforth was active in Middletown, Connecticut in the period 1780 through 1788.
Origin: Was purchased at an estate auction in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The plate was made in Middletown, CT USA.
Size: The plate measures ~8" in diameter, is ~5/8" high, and weighs slightly over ~9 ounces.
Maker: Joseph Danforth.
Marks: The plate has two similar marks on the underside. The marks show a standing lion facing left with tung out with the words "JOSEPH" above and presumably "DANFORTH" below. Both marks are covered with an old label that is a bit fragile and which we chose not to remove. There is also a mark I.D. and one having a dagger and a third that is not clear. Presumably there should be a fourth mark according to Jacobs (Guide to American Pewter), but that one is worn off. The marks are similar to mark 95 in Jacobs (Guide to American Pewter).
Condition: The plate is in good condition given its age (almost 250 years old) and utilitarian function. It has no breaks, cracks, or repairs. The plate has a nice gray age patina and shows a lot of character. It has scratches and dings throughout, which can be seen in the photos. The edge f the plate has distortions as does the center of the plate. The plate has an old and rather fragile sticker attached to the back which we did not attempt to remove but see that it may lose a portion anytime now. Be that as it may, the plate is very nice and worthy of a spot in your collection. Please see photo for additional condition information.
