AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a ceramic dinner plate, likely made of earthenware or porcelain, featuring a decorative design on its reverse side. The plate is predominantly white or off-white, characteristic of many ceramic dinnerware pieces. The most prominent features are the backstamps, which provide significant details about its origin and purpose. At the top, there is a green maker's mark with a crown emblem, the letter 'A', and the text 'ALFRED MEAKIN ENGLAND', indicating the manufacturer and country of origin. Below this, there is a detailed brown and gold banner design. The banner states 'PLATE # 168', 'MUSCIVORA TYRANNUS', and 'FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER', identifying the specific subject depicted on the front of the plate as a bird, likely a Fork-Tailed Flycatcher. Further text within the banner indicates that the design is 'REPRODUCED FROM THE ELEPHANT FOLIO EDITION OF AUDUBON'S BIRDS OF AMERICA' and 'ENDORSED BY NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY NEW YORK'. This establishes the plate as part of a collectible series reproducing prints from John James Audubon's famous 'Birds of America' and carries the endorsement of the National Audubon Society, suggesting a collaboration or licensed product. The item appears to be in good condition, with no visible chips, cracks, or significant wear on the depicted back side. There is a slight reddish or pinkish smudge or mark near top left of the Alfred Meakin stamp, which could be an incidental mark from handling or manufacturing, but does not appear to be damage. The craftsmanship of the backstamp itself, with its detailed lettering and colors, indicates a good quality manufacturing process. Based on the Alfred Meakin mark and the Audubon reproduction, these plates typically date from the mid to late 20th century, likely 1960s-1980s.

Upon examining the provided image of this Alfred Meakin National Audubon Society 'Birds of America' Collector Plate - Fork-Tailed Flycatcher (Plate #168), I can offer the following professional appraisal. The plate appears to be in very good condition based on the visible reverse side. There are no apparent chips, cracks, or significant wear. The slight reddish smudge near the Alfred Meakin stamp is likely incidental manufacturing residue or handling mark, not damage. Authenticity is strongly supported by the clear and detailed Alfred Meakin England backstamp, the specific plate number (168), species identification, and the endorsement by the National Audubon Society, all consistent with known examples of this series. The design fidelity to the 'Elephant Folio Edition of Audubon's Birds of America' further corroborates its legitimacy as part of this licensed collection. Market conditions for mid-20th century collector plates, even those with reputable endorsements like the National Audubon Society and popular subjects like Audubon birds, are generally modest. While individual plates like this Fork-Tailed Flycatcher were part of a larger series, their rarity is not high. Demand is moderate, primarily from collectors interested in bird-themed decor or those completing the specific Alfred Meakin Audubon series. Factors impacting value positively include the excellent condition and the clear backstamps. However, the overall limited collector market for these types of plates prevents higher valuations. Comparables for individual plates from this series typically range from low-end decorative items to slightly higher for those in pristine condition or featuring particularly popular birds. Full sets command more, but individual plates do not hold significant standalone value. To fully authenticate and assess condition, I would ideally need to physically inspect the plate to confirm the absence of crazing, observe the front decoration for any fading or scratches, and assess the overall tactile quality. Without physical inspection, I cannot confirm the absence of manufacturing flaws on the front or any repairs. Provenance documentation, while helpful, is not critical for an item of this value.