Circa 1822-1835: Manufactured for the American market by English ceramicist Jospeh Stubbs, this 21" x 17" medium blue serving platter of Fair Mount Near Philadelphia is the largest platter from the potter's popular spread eagle border series, which depicts various American views surrounded by a border of patriotic bald eagles interspersed between lush floral sprays. This particular historical Staffordshire view pictures a romantic couple by a pair of reclining sheep above the backdrop of the city's famous dam and waterworks with a few boats in the water and an idyllic landscape of buildings, trees, and harmless clouds. It is indeed a wonderfully romanticized scene meant to show off both the nation's technological advances and its natural beauty to citizens who might not ever have the chance to see it for themselves. This platter is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs and only a few typical light knife marks on the front and expected light shelf wear and factory crazing on the bottom.
Bob Zordani and Heidi Kellner: (217) 714-5016, Lexington, Virginia: zandk@zandkantiques.com
