THERE NEVER WAS A HAPPIER NOR DEVOTED HUSBAND THAN THE MALE BLUEBIRD. HE IS THE GAY CHAMPION AND ESCORT OF THE FEMALE AT ALL TIMES, AND WHILE SHE IS SITTING, HE FEEDS HER REGULARLY.  JOHN BURROUGHS (1837-1921)

{HISTORY}

Here in the Vintage Kitchen, we are always on the lookout for a flock of bluebirds. Not only are they the heady stuff of legends when it comes to encouraging joy and happiness but they also symbolize renewal, fresh transitions and new growth.  Some cultures view them as guardian angels and almost all cultures around the world associate them with good fortune. That's just the sort of helper everybody needs in the kitchen!

This antique dinner plate features five bluebirds floating among swags of blooming pink branches. Made by D.E. McNicol between 1915-1929, this popular pattern became an absolute favorite in kitchens across America. Made just after WWI ended, we like to think this bluebird of happiness pattern was just the kind of joy people were looking for when it came to kitchen decor. 

As was the case with many popular patterns in the early 20th century, once a trend took off, other manufacturers rushed to follow the wave of enthusiasm. These bluebirds were the hot commodity of the decade used by several different potteries including National, Homer Laughlin, Salem, East Liverpool, Atlas, Steubenville, American Limoge, WS George and D.E. McNicol. While the same exact birds fluttered their way around each of these different manufacturer's dishes, they were subtle changes that could set one pottery's bluebird pattern apart from the other. National added two blue stripes around the rim.  Homer Laughlin featured a bulbous belly shape. Atlas added a gold rim. American Limoges featured a hexagon shape. McNicol kept things simple by just sticking to the bluebirds and their branches with no other adornment with the exception of a possible stripe around the edge, which is now barely visible.

Whether you are filling out an existing collection featuring one maker or starting a new mismatched one, it's fun to collect this pattern for all its similar yet slightly different details.

Despite their popularity, the Bluebird pattern by any and all makers, is very hard to find these days. Understandably so - who could part with such happiness? 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Colors include blueberry, pink, celery green and grey
• Hard to find pattern and maker
• Stamped on back with a faint maker's mark

{CONDITION}

This plate is in lovely antique condition. There are no chips, or cracks except for one tiny chip on the back at the rim, where it once sat in a plate hanger. This chip is about 1/116th of an inch in size and not noticeable from the front. Light staining and crazing throughout give this plate a beautiful antique aesthetic.

{SIZE}

Measures 9.5" inches (diameter) and weighs 1.4 lbs