Sanders Mfg. Co. 'Lord's Supper' First Edition Collector Plate

This item is the reverse side of a mid-20th-century decorative collector plate manufactured by the Sanders Manufacturing Company of Nashville, Tennessee. The plate is constructed from cream-colored glazed ceramic or porcelain featuring a scalloped rim design. Centered on the back is a detailed black backstamp which includes the maker's circular logo stating 'SANDERS MFG. CO. USA NASHVILLE TENN.' Below this logo, text identifies the subject as 'LORD'S SUPPER,' noted as a 'FIRST EDITION.' A significant quality indicator is the 'WARRANTED 22-K. GOLD' marking, suggesting the front of the plate features 22-karat gold gilding or accents. The plate shows typical manufacturing artifacts such as small glaze pops and grit caught under the glaze near the foot rim. The overall condition appears stable with no major cracks or chips visible in the photo, though fine crazing of the glaze may be present upon closer inspection consistent with its age, likely dating from the 1940s to 1960s. This type of religious commemorative ware was widely popular in American households during the mid-century period, often used as decorative wall hangings.

I have examined the digital images of the 'Lord's Supper' First Edition collector plate by Sanders Mfg. Co. Nashville, Tenn. The backstamp is consistent with mid-20th-century religious Americana, specifically the 1940s-1960s production era. The 'Warranted 22-K Gold' designation denotes a higher-tier decorative finish common for this period. Visually, the plate appears in stable condition with expected glaze imperfections and minor shelf wear. The absence of visible chips or crazing from the reverse side suggests good maintenance, though fine surface scratches on the front gilding cannot be ruled out. The market for mid-century religious collector plates is currently saturated. While these were cherished as 'First Editions' by original owners, mass production by firms like Sanders, often for regional souvenir or church-fundraising markets, keeps rarity low. Comparables on secondary markets (eBay, Etsy, and local antique malls) consistently show these pieces selling within a modest range. The primary value drivers are the sentimental appeal and the integrity of the gold trim. Critically, this appraisal is based on photographic evidence only. A physical examination is required to verify the depth of any crazing, the presence of 'flea bites' on the scalloped edges, and the exact thickness of the gold application. I cannot determine via image if there has been professional restoration or the use of cold-paint touch-ups. Full authentication would require professional lighting to check for hairline fractures and physical provenance, such as original packaging or sales receipts, to confirm its specific manufacture date.