Homer Laughlin China Appraisal

Homer Laughlin Virginia Rose Platter

This is an oval-shaped serving platter from the Homer Laughlin China Company, part of their popular 'Virginia Rose' line. The platter features a cream or ivory colored ceramic body with a glossy glaze. The rim is scalloped with a decorative, molded relief pattern that suggests leaves or scrollwork, and it is accentuated by a gold colored trim around the edge. The central decoration consists of a vibrant floral bouquet with a variety of flowers in shades of pink, yellow, blue, and white, accompanied by green foliage. Smaller, scattered floral sprigs adorn the well of the platter. Given the context (Homer Laughlin, Virginia Rose, J 52 and N 8), this piece likely dates to the mid-20th century, specifically the 1930s to 1950s, a period when this pattern was widely produced. The 'J 52' and 'N 8' markings, if present on the underside, would typically refer to the production date (J=October, 52=1952) and factory/mold number respectively, confirming its age. The condition appears good from the visible portion, with no obvious chips, cracks, or significant crazing, though some wear to the gold trim, a common occurrence with age and use, might be present but isn't clearly visible here. The quality indicates mass-produced dinnerware designed for everyday use but with an elegant aesthetic that was popular during its era.