The Three Stooges Franklin Mint Limited Edition Collector Plate

This item is the reverse side of a white, fine porcelain collector plate featuring licensing information for 'The Three Stooges'. The plate has a circular indentation in the center where the key details are printed. The primary text, 'The Three Stooges™', is prominently displayed in a bold black font, indicating the subject matter of the plate. Below this, there's copyright information: '© 1990 Norman Maurer Productions, Inc. Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.' It also states that 'THE THREE STOOGES is a trademark of Norman Maurer Productions, Inc.' indicating its official licensing. The phrase 'FRANKLIN MINT HEIRLOOM RECOMMENDATION' is subtly printed in a circular arc above the main title, suggesting it was part of a prestigious collection from The Franklin Mint. The plate is explicitly labeled as a 'LIMITED EDITION' and shows a hand-written or stamped 'Plate No. 26056', signifying its individual number within the limited production run. Below the plate number, it states 'FINE PORCELAIN'. A crucial warning is provided along the bottom rim: 'A decorative accessory. Not to be used for food consumption. Pigments used for color may be toxic.' This indicates that the plate is intended purely for display and not for culinary use, due to potentially harmful pigments. The overall condition appears excellent with no visible chips, cracks, or significant wear on the reverse side. The text is crisp and clear, without fading or smudging. The style is typical of collectible plates from the late 20th century, specifically the 1990s, when such memorabilia was popular. The craftsmanship, as expected from Franklin Mint, suggests a high-quality production with precise printing and a smooth, unblemished porcelain surface.

Upon examining the provided image of the reverse side of this Franklin Mint collector plate, I can assess its key attributes. The markings confirm it is an officially licensed 'The Three Stooges™' plate from 1990, produced by the reputable Franklin Mint as a 'LIMITED EDITION' heirloom recommendation. The 'Plate No. 26056' and the 'FINE PORCELAIN' mark are consistent with production standards of the era. The condition of the reverse appears excellent, with clear, crisp text and no visible damage such as chips or cracks. The warning against food use is also standard for decorative plates from this period. However, the market for collector plates from the 1980s and 90s, including those by Franklin Mint, has significantly declined from its peak. While the 'Limited Edition' status suggests rarity, production runs often numbered in the tens of thousands, as indicated by the plate number here. The primary value driver for these items is now nostalgia and specific fan demand rather than intrinsic rarity or investment potential. Current market comparables for similar Three Stooges Franklin Mint plates on online marketplaces typically sell in the $10 to $25 range. The value is highly dependent on the condition of the illustrated front side (not shown) and the presence of the original box and Certificate of Authenticity, which are not present for this appraisal. This appraisal is based solely on the provided image of the plate's reverse. A full, in-person examination would be required to inspect the obverse for any scratches or fading, feel for hairline cracks not visible in photos, and verify the authenticity of the porcelain and markings beyond what a photograph can convey.