Fraternal Order Plate Appraisal

Order of the Eastern Star Commemorative Plate

This item is a white porcelain or ceramic plate, likely a dessert or salad plate, featuring prominent fraternal symbolism. The plate has a smooth, glossy glaze, reflecting light in several areas, indicating its polished surface. The central design is a five-pointed star, the emblem of the Order of the Eastern Star, gilded and intricately colored with enamel. Each point of the star is a different color: blue, yellow, white, green, and red, representing the heroines of the order. Within the center of the star is a smaller, white five-pointed star with a compass and square, a symbol often associated with Masonic organizations, which the OES is appendant to. The gilded edges of the central star appear well-defined and sharp. Scattered across the white surface of the plate are numerous smaller, irregular five-pointed stars, also in gold. These smaller stars vary slightly in size and placement, giving a celestial or scattered effect to the design. The rim of the plate has a gilded edge, which appears somewhat worn or chipped in one area (bottom right of the main image), suggesting age and use. There are also subtle double-lined rings visible on the plate's surface, indicating a raised or decorative border design, likely also gilded. The overall condition appears good with minor signs of wear consistent with an antique or vintage item. The craftsmanship details suggest a mass-produced, yet decorative item, common for fraternal organizations to commission for banquets or commemorative purposes. The style period would likely be late 19th to mid-20th century, given the commonality of such emblem-decorated dinnerware during that era for fraternal groups.