Edgerton Floral & Filigree Plate c.1943

Collectibles : Pickard China

 

A stunning hand decorated plate made under the Edgerton label of Pickard China between 1938-1949.

The border is finely decorated with heavy gold scrolling and two etched gold bands that are exquisite in detail. Amidst the gold border are floral bouquets in vibrant shades of pink, blue and yellow set upon an ivory color. The center is white porcelain and features a beautiful botanical floral design.

For a most interesting tabletop, a collection of Edgerton dinner plates in varying patterns creates an artistic elegance and unique setting for your guests.

About Pickard China. Pickard China was established in Edgerton, Wisconsin in 1893 by Wilder Austin Pickard, and moved to Chicago in 1897. For some forty years the Pickard China Studio, as the firm was then known, was a decorating company specializing in hand painted art pieces, dessert and tea sets. Many of the original artists were from the Art Institute of Chicago. The staff was increased by renowned ceramic artists from all the countries of Europe. Since most of the china was manufactured abroad at the time, the Pickard studios imported blank ware to be decorated. These early pieces are now sought after by collectors.

When Wilder's son Austin entered the business, he longed for the day that Pickard would no longer be dependent upon outside sources. He dreamed of manufacturing in Illinois as fine a china as could be found anywhere in the world. In 1930, experiments began. It took seven years before the secret Pickard formula was developed - a delicate blend of many different clays and minerals considered worthy to bear Pickard's proud new lion trademark. Further experiments produced a formula for glaze that is considered by many experts as the finest in the industry.

In 1937, production was moved to Antioch, in the lovely lakes region of northern Illinois about midway between Chicago and Milwaukee. This peaceful setting proved ideal for the painstaking craftsmanship and skilled handwork necessary to produce top quality ware. Pickard became known for creating a beautiful warm white china as well as rich decorations.

Today Pickard china ranks among the finest in the world, highly noted for its graceful shapes and beautiful decorations. It has the feel of lightness and delicacy, while maintaining unusual strength. Its glaze is of remarkable brilliance and hardness.

In 1977, Pickard was selected by the U.S. Department of State to manufacture the official service of china used by our embassies and other diplomatic missions around the world. The special decoration has an embossed gold border of stars and stripes and an embossed reproduction of the Great Seal of The United States. The contract to produce the embassy service has been renewed twice since that time, following competition open to all American manufacturers.

Pickard has also been selected to produce exclusive fine china services for heads of state and many prestigious hotels, restaurants and corporations. The King of Saudi Arabia, Hilton, Sheraton and Marriott hotels, General Motors, The U.S. Air Force, Gracie Mansion and the United Nations are among a few who have chosen Pickard for their finest dining. Other distinctive custom Pickard fine china services have also been crafted for Air Force One, Blair House and Camp David. (ref:Pickard China)

Backstamp: Gold. Edgerton. Made and decorated in U.S.A. Pattern E218-200. c.1938-1949. This backstamp was revived for factory sales.

Dimension: 10 ¾” round

Condition: Very Good. No chips or cracks.

Item ID: P20

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