Iroquois China designs are planned with great care to assure their practicality, clearness, and artistic excellence. {Excerpt from the 1925 Iroquois China Catalog} 

{HISTORY}

Made by Iroquois China Co. in Syracuse, NY, this petite vintage oval restaurant ware side plate features a dark emerald green swag pattern simply known within the pottery as pattern #1037.

Inspired by the neoclassical designs of brothers James and Robert Adam, who were influential British designers/architects working during the 18th century, this pattern reflects the delicate interior swags, ribbons, and medallions made popular by the brothers during the 1700s. 

 At Iroquois, this neoclassical pattern came in two variations - with or without a green stripe around the rim, and was in service from the 1920s to the 1940s.  This particular side dish was made in March 1943, and since it was part of Iroquois' stock inventory, it could have been in service in a number of different hospitality venues ranging from hotels to hospitals.  

That gives it a wealth of daydreamy possibilities regarding the environment in which it served. A roadside cafe in the Catskill Mountains... a revolutionary-style tavern in Philadelphia... a waterside restaurant in Rhode Island... a ladies' club in New York City...  a hospital cafeteria upstate...  those are just a few examples of where this plate may have been in use in the mid-20th century. 

In addition to the setting, the year this dish was made is interesting too - 1943 - right in the middle of WWII. No doubt it was privy to some interesting table discussions as well as creative cooking considering war rations affected restaurants and hospitality venues too. That's so much history wrapped up in one small plate!

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Petite size
• Stamped on back with maker's mark and date code
• Green and white color palette

{CONDITION}

In beautiful vintage condition, this plate contains no chips, cracks or staining. 

{SIZE}

Measures 9.5" inches (length) x 6.5" inches (width) and weighs 1.6 lbs.

{FOR THE LOVE OF RESTAURANT WARE}

Fall in love with more pieces of past vintage restaurant life here...