Early 1900s Nippon plate was made in Japan
Q. The plate in this picture belonged to my husband's parents and it was originally inherited from their parents before them. Marked in green on the back is the letter "M" inside a wreath, and the words "Hand Painted - Nippon." It has been in our family for several generations and we have had it since the 1970s. I have no idea how old it is and hope you can give me information on its age and history. My husband always said it was part of a complete set, but I never saw one. The plate may have come from England, as my mother-in-law's parents were from there. I am now 90 years old and trying to pass things to my sons and their wives.
I would appreciate it if you can give me some information on my plate and a price. Thank you so much.
A. Your plate is an example of "Nippon" porcelain that was made in Japan. The letter "M" represents New York importers, the Morimura Brothers. Ichizaemon Morimura founded a trading company in the 1800s. About the same time, his brother, Toya, set up an imported goods store that sold mostly antiques in New York. In 1889 after visiting the World Exposition in Paris and seeing the beautiful European porcelain, the brothers were inspired to establish a porcelain factory in Noritake, Japan. In 1914, they began exporting dinnerware designed for Western tastes. It became hugely successful and was the beginning of Noritake China Company. Their porcelain continues to be in demand today and is sold in high-end department stores. Although I can't confirm that the dish was originally part of a complete service of china, it very well could have been. The green mark you described was first used in 1911.
Your early 1900s dish would probably be worth $35 to $75.
Q. Enclosed is the mark that is on the back of a white opaque plate that I inherited from my aunt. It is decorated with a band of fleur-de-lis and measures about 8 inches in diameter. I think my aunt received it for her birthday sometime in the 1940s and it is in mint condition.
Anything you can tell me about the maker, age and value of my plate will be greatly appreciated.
A. The Westmoreland Glass Company made your milk glass plate. The factory was founded in 1899 in Grapeville, Pennsylvania. They produced a variety of types of glass, but were mostly well known for their milk glass. The mark you enclosed was used from 1949 to 1983. In 1985, operations ceased and the factory closed.
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