Birds Of America Appraisal

Alfred Meakin National Audubon Society 'Birds of America' Collector Plate - Fork-Tailed Flycatcher (Plate #168)

This item is a ceramic dinner plate, likely made of earthenware or porcelain, featuring a decorative design on its reverse side. The plate is predominantly white or off-white, characteristic of many ceramic dinnerware pieces. The most prominent features are the backstamps, which provide significant details about its origin and purpose. At the top, there is a green maker's mark with a crown emblem, the letter 'A', and the text 'ALFRED MEAKIN ENGLAND', indicating the manufacturer and country of origin. Below this, there is a detailed brown and gold banner design. The banner states 'PLATE # 168', 'MUSCIVORA TYRANNUS', and 'FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER', identifying the specific subject depicted on the front of the plate as a bird, likely a Fork-Tailed Flycatcher. Further text within the banner indicates that the design is 'REPRODUCED FROM THE ELEPHANT FOLIO EDITION OF AUDUBON'S BIRDS OF AMERICA' and 'ENDORSED BY NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY NEW YORK'. This establishes the plate as part of a collectible series reproducing prints from John James Audubon's famous 'Birds of America' and carries the endorsement of the National Audubon Society, suggesting a collaboration or licensed product. The item appears to be in good condition, with no visible chips, cracks, or significant wear on the depicted back side. There is a slight reddish or pinkish smudge or mark near top left of the Alfred Meakin stamp, which could be an incidental mark from handling or manufacturing, but does not appear to be damage. The craftsmanship of the backstamp itself, with its detailed lettering and colors, indicates a good quality manufacturing process. Based on the Alfred Meakin mark and the Audubon reproduction, these plates typically date from the mid to late 20th century, likely 1960s-1980s.