We all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us... Jaime Dimon

{HISTORY}

It's almost impossible to look at an antique platter that has been in the hotel and restaurant ware industry for over 120 years and not marvel at the fact that it is still here, in one piece, with us today. Restaurantware is heavy-duty stuff and can withstand a lot of banging about as it goes from kitchen to table and back to kitchen again countless times day in and day out. But the fact that this platter has been able to withstand such hustle and bustle for more than a century is pretty impressive. 

Made in Syracuse, NY by what would later be known as Syracuse China, this platter was made in the company's growing years, when the factory was known as the Onondaga Pottery Company (O.P.Co) which was named for the local Iroquois Indian tribe, the Onondaga who lived near Lake Erie. First founded in the 1840s, the pottery worked to refine its skill throughout the 19th century overcoming fires, company changes, financial setbacks, product losses, name changes, and reinventions. By the time this platter was made in 1897, the O.P. Co had just begun to realize its first major success with pieces like this elegant, embossed platter. Simple, classic, and well made, it appealed to the restaurant and hotel industry for its simple style and attractive aesthetic - the kind of dish that makes pretty much all food look delicious. It is fun to imagine the types of establishments this beauty might served. Maybe an elegant country hotel in upstate New York, or a busy city restaurant in Manhattan, or possibly it hit the rails, appearing on dining car train tables as it chugged around the country. 

Ask any human centenarian what it is like to live one hundred years and they will tell you two contradictory things... that it goes by in a flash and also that it is a very long time. Like any good long life-liver, this platter has seen its own fast but long time history. Adventure can be seen in the hairline crack that be found underneath the glaze on the front. Two small chips (one on the topside of the rim, the other on the bottom side of the rim) speak of action in the kitchen or at the table. Thankfully, none of these blemishes affect the use of the platter in any way. Instead they add visual interest and a touch of story. Yes indeed, 122 years is a long time... now you will be a part of its story for 120 more! 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- All white aesthetic

- Embossed edges

- Scalloped shape

- Stamped on the back with maker's mark

{CONDITION}

A hairline crack measuring 3" inches in length is visible on the front. Two small chips (about .5" inches in length appear near the rim (one on top, one on the bottom). Four marks on the underside halfway down the down detail where the platter was held in place by machinery as it was being manufactured.

{SIZE}

Measures 17.5" inches (length) x 11.5" inches (width) x 1.5"inches (height)

{STYLE IDEA}

Pair this platter with other antiques whites found here for a lovely aged collection that speaks of history, adventure and culinary marvels.