{HISTORY}

Made in Trenton, New Jersey, between 1884 and 1890 by Willets Manufacturing Company, this rare, small antique pedestal dish was produced during a slim window of time in the pottery’s history. 

Containing two handles and two unique floral patterns, it measures 8" inches in length x 4" inches in width x 2.5" inches in height, making it the greatest size and shape for a host of different purposes. Originally, it might have been a small individual tureen, a chamber soap dish, or a small serving dish, but nowadays it's ideal for all sorts of possibilities. We love it best as a catchall, a mini garden planter, a table centerpiece vase for fresh-cut flowers, and an organizer for tablescape necessities like wine corks, rolled napkins, flatware, etc.

Featuring a color palette of pale pink, cranberry, beige, clay, eggplant, and lemon, and enhanced with gold detailing on the handles and the pedestal base, it's interesting to look at from all angles. 

Made during the early years of Willets Manufacturing, just after the pottery was purchased from William Young & Sons, Willets wasted no time in establishing a successful business with a fine reputation. Specializing in American Beleek, hotelware, sanitaryware, and opaque porcelain in thin and thick designs, Willet was known for their exceptional quality. By 1904, Willets had become one of the largest potteries in the country.

This dish was part of their opaque porcelain production line and features the impressed monogram style backstamp that debuted in 1884. Very hard to find nowadays, this time traveler has acquired a lovely aged patina accrued over 140 years that exudes both authentic character and unique charm. Grey stain spots dot the exterior in random fashion, and two surface cracks mark two corners of the interior. Both of which lend to a gorgeous overall aesthetic.

One side of the dish features a pink wild rose, and the other side an eggplant and plum-shaded morning glory. In trying to research the pattern, we found a similar wash basin and pitcher featuring similar morning glory flowers, which might suggest that this was part of a chamber set, but given its practical and utilitarian shape, it possibly could have been used for kitchen or table service too.

A beauty of a 140-year-old dish, this special charmer is so pretty paired with antique ironstone collections and mismatched dishware, but also looks lovely as a stand-alone organizer tucked into an unexpected (yet helpful) place. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Opaque Porcelain
• Contains impressed maker's mark on bottom 

{CONDITION}

Please see condition notes above. With the exception of exterior staining spots and the two interior surface cracks, this dish does not contain any other cracks or chips. The interior cracks do not bleed through to the exterior and therefore do not cause the dish to leak if you were interested in using it as a cut flower vase or a mini planter. There is some slight wear on the gold detailing on the handles. The impressed maker's mark is very difficult to read, but if you hold it up to a bright light source, you can make out both the shape and lettering of the backstamp. Please see photos. 

{SIZE}

Measures 8" inches in length x 4" inches in width x 2.5" inches in height and weighs 12 oz.