The light that never fails... (the motto of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company)

{HISTORY}

Based in Beaver Falls PA, Mayer China was started by two brothers in 1881. They  made dishware for all sorts of commercial eating establishments  from mom and pop restaurants to cruise ships, airplanes to train lines, big city hotels to small city diners and everything in between, including the military.

One of their clients was the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for whom they designed this pretty pattern in 1961.  Complete with a stylish art deco-looking monogram (also referred to as a badge in the ceramics industry) and a decorated rim in contrasting colors of periwinkle blue, lemon yellow, white, and beige, this luncheon plate is cheerful and dynamic. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company restaurantware is hard to find now, so this piece is both an unusual plate for collectors as well as a rare piece of vintage Americana.  

At the time of this plate's manufacture, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company was headquartered at One Madison Avenue in New York City with over 1000 additional offices across the U.S. and Canada. First founded in 1868,  MLICo was an industry leader when it came to educating consumers about good health and nutrition practices throughout the 20th century. Still in operation today, they have become one of the largest global insurance companies, with a customer base that covers 60 countries and millions of households. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Hard to find pattern

- Stamped on back with Mayer China mark, distributor's name (Maddock & Miller New York City) and date of manufacture (March 1962)

{CONDITION}

Bright clear graphics. No chips but there are three faint hairline crack marks (two on the back and one on the front). None of these affect the use or structural integrity of the plate though and they are barely visible upon first glance.  Please see photos. 

{SIZE}

Measures 9" inches in diameter and weighs 1.5lbs

 {GIFT IDEA}

A fun gift for anyone who works in the life insurance industry or for anyone who collects vintage restaurant ware for display.