A long time ago, there was lunch and it was served like this...

{HISTORY}

Dating to 1913 or perhaps a little bit before, this pair of antique luncheon plates was made by Johnson Bros pottery in Stoke-on-Trent, England. With bright green floral transferware the color of cucumbers, an embossed rim, and splashes of handpainted gold, this pattern was known as The Florentine. Aged to perfection, both plates feature a scalloped edge, raised embossing around the rim, and delightful tell-tale signs of plates well lived and well enjoyed. 

What began in England in 1883 as a venture between four brothers, Johnson Brothers pottery grew quickly into success with the manufacture of whiteware and semi-porcelain. With a big fan base located in the U.S .the brothers also set up shop in New York City where a number of their pattern lines reigned supreme throughout the 20th century.

Although Johnson Bros was prolific in their dishware manufacture over the course of the  late 19th century and throughout the 20th century,  nowadays this Florentine pattern is very hard to find. Made when the pottery was just a couple of decades old, it's fascinating to think that these dishes came to life just before WWI.  

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Matching set of two

- Rare, hard to find Florentine pattern

- Authentically aged

- Stamped on back with maker's mark and pattern name

{CONDITION}

These plates carry over 100 years of stories in their well-traveled patina. They contain crazing, staining, small age-old chips, and utensil marks all signaling they were well-loved and well enjoyed over the course of the past century. Each dish contains just one old chip on the rim on the front. A series of small chips can be found on the back of one plate near the rim, and there are just three chips on the back of the other plate. As for the chips on the front - these are small (both less than a 1/4 of an inch in length) and barely noticeable due to the elaborate transferware pattern. Please see photos.

You may not wish to serve food on them due to their age and weathered condition, but they would be ideally suited for decorating, food photography and/or tablescape display. 

{SIZE}

Each plate measures 9" inches (diameter) and weighs 12 oz.

{STYLE IDEA}

These luncheon plates pair beautifully with these antique dinner plates for a lovely mix and match set.