Johnson Bros. \"Old English\" 'Chadwell' Ceramic Plate (Backstamp)

The item is the back of a ceramic plate, likely earthenware or ironstone, given the common materials used by Johnson Bros. for their 'Old English' patterns. The primary color visible is off-white or cream, which serves as the background for the manufacturer's mark. The mark itself is printed in a dark blue or teal underglaze, featuring the words 'Old English' in a serif script above a stylized crown. Below the crown, 'JOHNSON BROS' is printed in bold capital letters, followed by 'ENGLAND' in a smaller font, indicating its country of origin. Further below is the word 'BY' in larger capitals, and then 'CHADWELL' in red, enclosed in single quotation marks. The red 'CHADWELL' suggests a specific pattern name or designer associated with the 'Old English' line. To the upper right of the main mark, there is a small, distinct blue symbol resembling a four-pointed star or cross, which could be an inspector's mark, a decorator's mark, or an internal factory code. The plate appears to be in good overall condition, with no immediate visible chips, cracks, or significant crazing, though a full assessment would require viewing the front and edges. There are a few small dark flecks on the surface, possibly minor manufacturing imperfections or lint. The 'Old English' line by Johnson Bros. dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, suggesting an estimated age of approximately 100-150 years. The clear and crisp printing of the backstamp indicates good quality control during manufacturing. The crown symbol prominently featured in the mark is a common design element for royal warrants or to connote quality and heritage.

Upon examining the provided image of the backstamp, I can confirm this is a genuine mark for Johnson Bros. from their 'Old English' series, specifically the 'Chadwell' pattern. The backstamp style, featuring the crown and the combination of underglaze blue and overglaze red for the pattern name, is consistent with production from the early to mid-20th century. Based on the clear printing and the absence of visible cracks or significant crazing from this view, the plate appears to be in good to very good condition. However, the valuation is significantly influenced by market factors. The Johnson Bros. 'Old English' earthenware lines were mass-produced and are quite common. While charming, they do not command high prices in the current secondary market unless the pattern is exceptionally rare or the piece is an unusual form. A search for comparable 'Chadwell' pattern dinner plates reveals a low market demand. Individual plates typically sell for less than $15 online and at antique shops. The value here is primarily as a replacement piece for someone completing a set rather than as a high-value standalone collectible. My appraisal is based on the assumption that the front of the plate is in similar good condition. A full appraisal would require physical inspection to check for hidden damage like hairline cracks, chips on the rim, or significant wear to the front pattern and glaze. Verification of authenticity is confident from the mark, but a physical examination would solidify the condition assessment.