This proverb plate came from the estate of a prolific, affluent 18th & early 19th century English porcelain collector. In particular, she collected pieces with mottos, sayings, Poor Richard's Almanac maxims, and proverbs. This month, I will be listing many exquisite pieces of antique porcelain from the same estate. Most pieces were of the highest quality, in extremely good condition for their age. Please see my other items, as combined shipping always applies at actual rates.
This c. 1830's plate motto is “Sloth like rust consumes faster than labour wears ~ while the used key is always bright ~ God helps them that help themselves ~ Lost time is never found again". B lue transferware scene of man with key standing at door with quaint village scene in background. The embossed decorative border has been overpainted by hand (clobbering) in copper luster (mauve),red, blue, yellow, and green. Rim edge is banded in mauve copper luster paint. No visible maker's hallmarks.
Benjamin Franklin’s original maxims appeared in Poor Richard's Almanac between the years 1732 - 1758. Staffordshire ceramics factories began producing smaller china for children around 1790 (coincidentally the same year Franklin died.) Designs and sayings from books and magazines were freely "borrowed" (despite copyright laws forbidding this) and Ben Franklin's proverbs were printed on plates and cups made for children and containing "Lessons for Youth on Industry, Temperance & Frugality..."
Dimensions: 4-5/8" diameter x 0.75" profile height
Unpacked weight: 2.6 oz.
Condition: Very good giftable condition. Mentionable issues: 1) discoloration (?) spot next to green paint in 6 o'clock position (see photos #14 & #15), and 2) Copper luster trim paint has a few misses / losses. Except for this trim issue, colored transfers and floral overpainting are intact, with good color and without scratches or erosion. No visible crazing. No chips, flakes, breaks, mends, repairs, cracks, hairlines, blemishes, or mentionable boo-boo's. Don't feel anything amiss when I run finger around edges. No signs of previous repairs or restoration.
Always happy to pass through discounts on combined shipping. I only charge actual postage, and always use recycled packing materials.
Note some photos appear redundant because I take photos from all possible angles. On symmetrical items, these photos may appear redundant when there are no distinguishing differences or condition issues between side views.
I gladly accept returns, but please note I do not pay return postage unless there was a significant error in my description. The item listed is being sold as is, as pictured and as described to the best of my knowledge. All dimensions and weights approximate. If you have a question or an assumption on an item prior to purchase, please ask. I much prefer to take the time on the front end to make sure you will be satisfied with your purchase.
Remember, when buying vintage expect imperfections as these items have a history and have been in the possession of others. I try to list EVERY flaw which would be commented on something in an antique or vintage condition – this does not mean all imperfections resulting from normal wear & use require comment. My goal is to have no rude surprises upon receipt