The Village Green Series Appraisal

'The Cricket Match' Collector Plate by Petula Stone (Wedgwood, The Village Green Series)

This item is a decorative collector plate, specifically the 1990 'The Cricket Match' plate, designed by Petula Stone. It is the second issue in 'The Village Green' series, which aims to depict scenes of village life from the turn of the century. The plate is constructed from fine Queen's Ware®, a type of ceramic known for its creamy white appearance, developed by Josiah Wedgwood. Based on the visible markings, the plate was manufactured by Josiah Wedgwood & Sons Limited in Barlaston, Stoke-on-Trent, England. As a limited edition item, its production was restricted to a maximum of 150 firing days, indicating a controlled and potentially smaller production run, which is a common characteristic of collector plates. The plate has a clean, white background, and the text is printed in black, ensuring clarity and legibility of the manufacturing and identification details. The craftsmanship appears to be of high quality, consistent with Wedgwood's reputation, showing no visible cracks, chips, or significant wear. The circular mark at the bottom reads "OF ETRURIA WEDGWOOD® MADE IN ENGLAND & BARLASTON", signaling the prestigious origin and brand. Below this is the BRADEX No. 26-W90-41.2, which is an identification number commonly used for collector plates. A crucial detail is embossed around the bottom rim: "THIS PLATE IS FOR DECORATIVE PURPOSES ONLY, NOT FOR FOOD USE," clearly indicating its intended use as an ornamental piece rather than a functional dish, preserving its condition over time. The overall appearance suggests it is in excellent condition, likely due to its intended decorative use.