1950s Shenango China Oval Plate - Rim Rol Wel Roc - Red Transferware Vintage Restaurant Ware
Going to a restaurant is one of my keenest pleasures. Meeting someplace with old and new friends, ordering wine, eating food surrounded by strangers, is the core of what it means to live a civilized life. Adam Gopnik
{HISTORY}
Vintage restaurantware always has two types of history - the real story of the dish (where it was made, who made it, etc) and then the imaginary story of the dish (where it wound up, what type of food it served, who enjoyed it, etc). This vintage restaurant dish was made in Pennsylvania by Shenango China in the mid-1950's. It features a dark red floral pattern and is fashioned in Shenango's Rim Rol Wel Roc style which made the plate itself easier to grip and stronger in constitution. So chances are, this dish was used in a busy restaurant that served lots of guests with hearty appetites for hearty food.
It's fun to imagine what types of food might have been presented at the table on this pretty wonder of a plate. Possibly there were mashed potatoes or meatloaf involved or sky-high club sandwiches or a side of spaghetti. Maybe it served customers in a busy department store dining room, fueling shopper's bellies for the big-haul home. Or perhaps it was one of a zillion serving pieces in a big city cafeteria feeding office workers from morning to night. Or maybe it spun around the tables of a social club or neighborhood bistro where people flocked for good food and good times. Anything is possible really
Undoubtedly though, this plate was a worker then and still is now. Ideally sized for a variety of tasks this plate makes an excellent option for regular meal service, for use as an hor 'd oeuvres platter or for use as a small snack tray between meals.
{SPECIAL FEATURES}
- Floral and paisley design
- Stamped on back with maker's mark and manufacturing date code
- Bright, clear imagery
{CONDITION}
Contains no chips or cracks. Glaze is smooth and shiny. There are signs of utensil marks as to be expected with vintage restaurant ware.
{SIZE}
Measures 10.5" inches (length) x 7.25" inches (width)
{STYLE IDEA}
Because of its durability and hefty weight, vintage restaurantware usually looks great paired with antique ironstone for interesting table displays and also dramatic wall art. It also of course looks lovely with other mix and match red and pink dishes like this set or this set.