AUTUMN IS A SECOND SPRING WHEN EVERY LEAF IS A FLOWER. ALBERT CAMUS

{HISTORY}

In 1967, just a couple of years before Salem China Co. closed its doors forever, they made this dishware pattern called Maple Leaf.

In those days, if you were a frequent shopper at your local grocery or hardware store, you'd see Maple Leaf pieces advertised in the sales section, where you could complete your entire set piece by piece, week by week at discounted prices. Typically with every $5.00 you spent on groceries, one piece of dishware would be available for a deeply discounted price (usually between $0.10-$0.20 per dish). Generally, the promotion would run over the course of three months, and each week a new dish from the pattern would be the featured discount item of the week. This type of promotion gave shoppers ample time to build up their collections at affordable prices. 

It's easy to see how Maple Leaf would have been an ideal pattern for such a promotion. With its year-round appeal and soft, neutral color palette, it had widespread adaptability that could change with the seasons with just a few minor decor adjustments. Teacups in this pattern are fun to collect because they are rare finds these days and they differ significantly from the Maple Leaf coffee cups which feature an all-green solid color. 

Here in the Vintage Kitchen, we love these two dinner plates for their wispy, willowy, delicate pattern and color arrangement. The leaves look almost handpainted and there is gorgeous contrast between the light green and dark brown shades. 

Perfect for autumn dinners that take you straight from October through Thanksgiving, these plates bring the beauty of the season indoors for all to enjoy tableside. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Matching set of two

- Inmatked on bottom 

- Colors include sage, mint, nutmeg, walnut, butter, and lemon

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition. There are no chips or cracks. One plate contains light crazing and is slightly darker in tone, which is caused from keeping plates warm in the oven. This change in color does not affect the use or the beauty of this plate in any way, it just adds a bit of authentically aged patina.

{SIZE}

Each plate measures 10.25" inches and weighs 1.2 lbs.