Dinner Plate

Date1700-1720

Artist/Maker Robert Nicholson

MediumPewter

DimensionsDiam: 9 3/4"; W (rim): 1 7/16"

Credit LinePurchased with funds provided by John A. Hyman.

Object number2001-10

Descriptiondinner plateLabel TextPlates with single-beaded edges were popular for a long time in the United States. First achieving prominence in England in the last decade of the seventeenth century, they remained particularly popular in America well into the nineteenth century. This early London example is especially generous in size and in the width of its rim and beaded edge. Engraved coats of arms appear infrequently on plates and dishes of this type. In the eighteenth century, armorial devices are much more readily found on more expensive flatware with plain and fancy rims that more often comprise matched dinner services.Inscription(s)Impaled coat of arms within a lozenge for the widow of an unidentified family engraved within a baroque cartouche on face of rim.

Mark(s)Touch mark an eagle displayed with a pellet below each wing standing atop a globe framed by "ROBERT" and "NICHOLSON" within curved reserves above and below and palm fronds to either side on underside of well (Cotterell 3400). Secondary marks (1) label "NICHOLSON" within an outlined rectangle (Cotterell 3400), (2) rose with crown within scrolls above, a palm frond to either side, and "LONDON" within a curved reserve below (Cotterell 3400), and (3) "X" crowned for quality, all on underside of well.ProvenancePurchased from Price Glover Inc. of New York City with funds provided by John A. Hyman of Williamsburg, Virginia.