Antique Griffin, Smith and Hill Etruscan Shell & Seaweed 9 1/4" Majolica Plate

Description: A beautiful colorful antique and very decorative American majolica plate. The plate which is green, pink, and blue in color has a raised design depicting Seashells with seaweeds over them. The seashells have pink coloring and the seaweeds are green with blue between the tops of the seashells. This design is known as the Etruscan Shell and Seaweed Plate. The back of the plate has the typical green coloring Majolica Plates made by Griffin, Smith and Hill factory have. The back also displays the earlier mark used by the factory (pre 1879) in the center. See page 89 in Mariann K. Marks' book Majolica Pottery published by Collector Books of Paducah, KY in 1983. The back of the plate also has a raised foot with a flat area within it having the maker's mark. Just a beautiful decorative antique American majolica plate. Please carefully review the photos as they are part and parcel of our description.

Date: Uncertain but most likely mid to late 1800's (mid to late 19th century).

Origin: Purchased at an estate sale in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The plate itself was made in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.

Size: Measures ~9 1/4" in diameter and is ~1" high. The plate weighs about one pound 3 ounces.

Maker: Griffin, Smith and Hill Company. Marks: Marked with the interlocked letters "GSH" in a very decorative fashion.

Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: This is a nice and very interesting piece of antique American Majolica that is in very good condition. The piece would display very well and make a nice addition to your Majolica collection.

Condition: The plate is in very good condition with no cracks, hairlines, or repairs. The colors are vivid and the plate is clean and would look great in your collection. There are two small flea bites (small chips) along the edge which we show in the last two photos. In addition, the plate displays general fine crazing to the glaze which is difficult to see dues to the coloring. Finally, the back of the plate has remnants of an old paper label which we choose not to remove. Be that as it may, this is a very nice antique piece of soft pottery with elaborate raised design that is over 120 years old and is worthy of a spot in your art pottery or Majolica collection. Please view photos for additional condition information.