The graceful shapes, snowy glaze, and exquisite patterns of this fine ware appeal to the woman who has an eye for artistic table decoration... (from a Homer Laughlin advertisement circa 1925)

{HISTORY}

Made in June of 1915 by Homer Laughlin, this antique platter features a simple gold swag pattern in the Empress shape. Debuting during WWI, Empress would go on to become one of H.L.'s most popular shapes. In manufacture for the next thirty years and available in a plethora of different patterns, this shape became a reliable style and seller for decades. 

Although this pattern was never named, we can see why the golden swags and pendant-style droplets were an attractive choice for dishware buyers. Simple, elegant and understated, this pattern offered a restrained aesthetic during the WWI years and then gracefully transitioned with all sorts of mix-and-match potential as the decades and the century soldiered on. 

Extra-long in length and more narrow than most platters of this size (think of it sort of like a stretched oval) this platter is an excellent size for serving whole fish or rack of ribs or leg of lamb or any dish that needs a little bit of extra length in order not to be flopping off the sides. Originally this pattern would have come in 100-piece sets with 11 different options as far as platter sizes go. They began at 6.5" inches in length and went up to 17.5" inches. This was Homer Laughlin's way of making sure that no food went unattended when it came to serving and presentation needs. 

Today, this size platter also makes gorgeous wall decor in addition to serving as its narrower width makes it possible to fit in more compact spaces.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Gold and white filigree-style swag

- Large size

- Stamped on back with maker's mark, date code, and dish shape

{CONDITION}

In lovely antique condition. There are no cracks or stains. There is one small chip (more like a dent) that is very old near the middle section of the rim on the front side of the platter as well as one small pencil-point-sized chip near the inner band of the rim on the front. Some of the gold around the edge of the rim is wearing on some spots as expected with age. Please see photos.

{SIZE}

Measures 17.5" inches (length) x 11.5" inches (width) and weighs 3.8lbs.

{STYLE IDEA!) 

Gold and white is one of our favorite color combinations here in the Vintage Kitchen. Find more complimentary pieces to this pattern here.