AI Appraisal Estimate

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.

Based on my visual examination of 'The Cricket Match' Collector Plate by Petula Stone (Wedgwood, The Village Green Series), I assess its condition as excellent. The Queen's Ware® appears pristine, with no visible chips, cracks, or significant wear, consistent with an item intended for decorative purposes only, as indicated by the embossed rim inscription. Authenticity is strongly supported by the clear 'OF ETRURIA WEDGWOOD® MADE IN ENGLAND & BARLASTON' mark and the BRADEX No. 26-W90-41.2, which aligns with standard collector plate identification. Wedgwood's reputation for quality further reinforces this. However, visual inspection alone has limitations; a hands-on examination would allow for tactile assessment of surface irregularities, light testing for hairline cracks, and closer inspection of print quality for any inconsistencies not apparent in images. The market for 20th-century decorative collector plates, especially those from series, is generally soft. While Wedgwood is a respected brand, the demand for this specific 'Village Green Series' plate is modest. Limited editions, like this one with a 150-firing-day restriction, theoretically suggest rarity, but the sheer volume of collector plates produced in the late 20th century means that 'limited' does not always equate to 'rare' in the current market. Comparables for similar Wedgwood decorative plates from this era typically range from $10 to $40. Factors significantly impacting value are primarily the niche interest of plate collectors, the decline in overall demand for such items, and the excellent condition of this particular piece. Provenance documentation, such as the original box or certificate of authenticity, if available, would further solidify authenticity and could marginally enhance appeal. Scientific testing, like material analysis, is not typically warranted for items of this value unless a specific forgery concern arises. Without physical inspection and provenance: I cannot definitively confirm the subtle nuances of material integrity or the absence of very minute damage. True authentication requires in-person examination.