Topic: Sowerby white basket weave plate - different base?

[Anne E.B.]

This lovely plate was going free outside a charity shop (I did go in and buy something so I didn't feel too stingy).  Its a Sowerby vitro porcelain basket weave plate c.1880/1 in white, but I think it has a more accurate colour name which I can't remember.  I've shown it with my aesthetic green version.  However, the base is different from my aesthetic green one and from any others that I have come across over the years.  It has a band of "pebble dash" texture around the circumference unlike any of the others seen.  Obviously a different mould, but does it indicate an early or later version? 

[MHT]

Hi Anne

The vitro porcelain name you are looking for is Opal.
Some  plates were stuck to the 3-footed bases using a kind of cement like plaster of Paris, making a comport. The finish on the plate was to aid sticking plate to base.
Don't think I have seen an 8" version before, but I have a larger Queensware version with the same 'pebble dash' ring.

Mike

[Anne E.B.]

Thanks Mike.  Opal sounds much nicer than just white
I've only ever come across a 3 footed carnival glass base of theirs but will have to look out for an opal and aesthetic green one.  However, my aesthetic green one looks really nice in a stand.