I READ SOMEWHERE ONCE THAT SOULS WERE LIKE FLOWERS... L. M. MONTGOMERY 

{HISTORY}

Without a smidge of pattern space to spare, these very rare , very gorgeous floral antique salad plates will inspire years of beautiful salad creations. We can see all the ingredient components unfolding now... green goddess dressing, cranberries, goat cheese, toasted walnuts, dates, avocados, blood oranges, brie, dried fruit, pomegranates.... so much potential! These plates are a veritable playground ready for an assortment of pretty shapes and colors.  Of course, these two plates are not limited to veggies either, they also moonlight as dessert plates which of course offer up another menu full of magic and potential. 

Made in Czechoslovakia between the years 1918-1921, these plates were manufactured during a brief moment in history when this country was caught up in the Hyphen Wars and it was spelled Czecho-Slovakia. 

Imported to Philadelphia by Erphila, a cleverly named company founded by German immigrants Theodore Ebeling and Frederick Reuss in 1886, the ER stood for the first letter of each of their last names combined with PHILA - a shortened version of Philadelphia. 

Specializing in an array of dishware from many European potteries and countries, Erphila's catalog of wares included glass, art pottery, dishes, and giftware. Theodore and Frederick were known for their expert eye, flamboyant taste, and appreciation for unique designs when it came to tableware selection for the American market. That winning combination made Erphila a successful business for 106 years before the brand retired in 2002. 

It's no wonder that this floral pattern, known as Oxford, was appealing to both  Theodore and Frederick and their loyal customers too. Their captivating appearance must have seemed like a breath of fresh air in comparison to more traditional salad plates that featured daintier designs and much less exuberant decoration.  

Such a favorite style of Erphila's, these all-over patterns came in other colorful bouquets as well with names like Chelsea, Dorest, and Eton. Now hard to find,  these rare pieces and these rare plates bring a bit of European history to the table with so much floral charm it will be difficult to decide whether you should decorate with them on the wall or put them to use on the table. Perhaps there's room for both! 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Matching set of two salad plates

- Colors include purple, lavender plum, cranberry, pink, pea pod green and ivory

- Stamped on back with the Erphila mark and pattern name

{CONDITION}

In lovely antique condition. There are no chips or cracks. The purple rim around each plate is wearing in some spots. 

{SIZE}

Each plate measures 7.5" inches in diameter and weighs 10 oz.

{STYLE IDEA}

These plates look really pretty with this chop plate platter thanks to a complimentary color palette.