Spitfire Coming Home Appraisal

Royal Doulton 'Spitfire Coming Home' Collector's Plate by Michael Turner

This is a fine bone china collector's plate from Royal Doulton's 'Reach for the Sky' series, specifically titled 'Spitfire Coming Home.' The artwork, created by the renowned aviation artist Michael Turner, features a highly detailed Supermarine Spitfire Mk I (bearing serial number X4325) descending for a landing over a lush English countryside. In the foreground, two young boys are perched on a wooden farm fence with a 'NO ENTRY' sign, watching the aircraft pass overhead. The color palette is vibrant, utilizing natural greens, blues, and earth tones to evoke a nostalgic wartime atmosphere. The plate is circular, approximately 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter, and features a rimless, full-bleed transfer print design. The artist's signature, Michael Turner, is visible in the lower right quadrant of the image. The construction is typical of high-quality Royal Doulton china, showing a glossy glaze and smooth finish. Based on the series release, this item dates to the early 1990s. The visible condition is excellent, showing no signs of chips, cracks, or crazing, with the print remaining crisp and unfaded. It includes a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) and likely bears a specific edition number on the reverse, which typically includes the Royal Doulton backstamp and technical details about the aircraft depicted.