Rosemarie Francke Sugar Mill Miniature Collector Plate Appraisal

Rosemarie Francke 'Sugar Mill' Miniature Collector Plate

A commemorative miniature porcelain collector plate featuring a monochromatic blue overglaze transfer-print design of a historic sugar mill in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. The artwork, created by artist Rosemarie Francke, is part of a series produced exclusively for 'Little Switzerland' by Villeroy & Boch (indicated by the logo on the inside cover). The plate is circular with a deep cobalt blue border inscribed with 'SUGAR MILL' at the top and 'ST. CROIX - VIRGIN ISLANDS' at the bottom. It is housed in its original cream-colored presentation folio, which features a gallery of other plates in the series, including depictions of Bluebeard's Castle and Fort Christian. The construction materials appear to be high-quality vitreous porcelain with a smooth, glossy finish. The condition appears to be excellent or 'new old stock' with no visible chips, cracks, or crazing. The folio displays minor edge wear but remains structurally sound. This piece likely dates from the late 20th century, approximately 1970-1990, coinciding with the peak of the souvenir collector plate market and the artist's activity in the Caribbean region.