1978 Goebel Fourth Edition Mothers Series Plate in Bas Relief (The Roe Deer)

This is a vintage 1978 collector's plate featuring a mother roe deer and her fawn, produced by the renowned German manufacturer Goebel as part of their annual 'Mothers Series'. This specific item is the Fourth Edition in that series. The plate is constructed from porcelain and features a 'bas-relief' design, meaning the central motif of the deer is sculpted in low relief, giving it a three-dimensional, tactile quality. The artwork is finished in warm, naturalistic earth tones of brown, tan, and cream, accented by the white spots of the fawn. The plate is housed in its original square cardboard presentation box, which features blue typography and a corresponding illustration. The Goebel logo—the characteristic 'V' with a bumblebee—is prominent on the box, indicating high craftsmanship and 20th-century German manufacturing heritage. Regarding condition, the box shows visible signs of age and storage, including creasing on the left side, corner bumping, and hand-written markings (the word 'Wall' in blue ink). The plate itself appears well-protected within, though a full inspection for crazing or chips would be required. This piece represents a popular mid-to-late 20th-century collectible trend, combining wildlife art with functional ceramic sculpture.

I have conducted a visual examination of the 1978 Goebel Fourth Edition Mother's Series 'The Roe Deer' plate. Based on the provided imagery, the porcelain bas-relief appears in excellent condition with the hand-painted matte finish remaining vibrant. The original packaging is present, which is a positive for provenance, though the box suffers from ink markings and corner wear that diminish its secondary market appeal. Authenticity is supported by the visible Goebel trademark on the packaging, consistent with late 1970s West German production. However, the market for limited-edition collector plates has seen a significant decline since its peak in the 1980s. While Goebel maintains a dedicated collector base due to the Hummel connection, this specific series was produced in large quantities, making it common rather than rare. Recent sales of similar plates from this series typically fall within the $10 to $30 range, often depending on the inclusion of the box. The value is capped by high supply and low contemporary demand for decorative porcelain plates. This appraisal is based on photographic evidence; a physical inspection is required to check for hairline fractures or factory seconds marks on the underside. Full authentication would involve verifying the 'V and Bee' stamped trademark on the plate’s reverse to ensure it matches the 1972-1979 Goebel (TMK-5) period. No scientific testing is necessary as the material and manufacturing techniques are standard for the era.