Decorator Plate Appraisal

Hand-Painted Porcelain Serving Plate with 'Watkins' Signature

This appears to be the underside of a white porcelain serving plate, possibly a cake plate or a similar item, characterized by its smooth, glossy glaze. The most prominent feature is the hand-painted signature 'Watkins' in a reddish-brown hue, likely iron red, visible on the unglazed foot rim or the recessed base of the plate. The lettering style suggests a personalized touch, indicating either the artist's signature, the owner's mark, or possibly a custom order from a specific artisan named Watkins. The plate itself is off-white or cream in color, providing a classic backdrop to the personal inscription. Details on the rim indicate an unglazed or bisque-fired edge that has accumulated some specks of what appears to be dirt or minor age-related discoloration, suggesting some wear from handling or storage. There's a visible cutout or handle on the upper right side of the main image, characteristic of a serving plate designed for easy gripping, such as a two-handled cake plate or a similar handled tray. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality, typical of porcelain dinnerware from the late 19th to mid-20th century, though without viewing the other side, further decorative details remain unknown. The visible surface is reflective, suggesting a high-quality glaze. The edge of the plate, where it meets the interior foot rim, shows a slight accumulation of specks, possibly indicating an unglazed area that has picked up some debris over time. This unglazed portion is common on the base of ceramic items to prevent sticking during firing. The 'Watkins' mark is neatly applied, suggesting it was part of the original creation or a carefully added personalization. The age could range from the late 19th century to mid-20th century based on typical porcelain production and hand-painted styles. The absence of a formal backstamp or manufacturer's mark, apart from the 'Watkins' signature, might suggest a studio pottery piece, an amateur's work, or a piece where the primary mark is on the finished front side of the item.