A Couple's Commitment Norman Rockwell Limited Edition Collector Plate

This is a fine china collector plate manufactured by the Edwin M. Knowles China Company, featuring the artwork of Norman Rockwell. The piece, titled 'A Couple's Commitment', is the second issue in the 'Rockwell's American Dream' series, dated 1985. The front of the plate depicts a young girl sitting on a wooden bench with luggage, rendered in a warm palette of golds, browns, and soft greens, framed by a decorative green and gold border with red accents. The plate is approximately 8.5 inches in diameter and crafted from high-quality porcelain. The back features extensive documentation, including the Bradex number (84-R70-7.2), a unique plate number (10041H), and several official seals of authenticity from the Rockwell Society of America and the Norman Rockwell Family Trust. The inscription includes a quote attributed to Thomas Rockwell. The condition appears excellent with no visible chips, cracks, or crazing, maintaining its original glossy finish. The craftsmanship is typical of high-end mid-80s commemoratives, produced during a 150-firing-day limited edition period.

I have virtually examined this 1985 Edwin M. Knowles porcelain plate, 'A Couple's Commitment.' The item presents in Excellent condition, retaining its original high-gloss finish with no evidence of chips, cracks, or surface crazing. The reverse side bears all necessary hallmarks, including the Bradex number 84-R70-7.2 and the Rockwell Society of America seal, which are consistent with authentic production runs. In the current secondary market, collectors' plates from the 1970s and 1980s represent a saturated category. While Norman Rockwell remains a legendary figure in American illustration, the massive production volume of these 'limited' editions—often fired over 150 days—exceeds current buyer demand. Comparable sales on online auction platforms typically range from $10 to $20, occasionally reaching $25 if the original box and Certificate of Authenticity (COA) are included. The value is driven primarily by decorative appeal rather than investment potential. This appraisal is based on a visual inspection of the provided digital images. To confirm the piece's integrity beyond a photographic assessment, an in-person examination is required to check for 'flea bites' along the rim and to verify the porcelain's resonance under a tap test. Full authentication would also be supported by the presence of the original paper documentation and provenance showing it has been stored in a smoke-free, climate-controlled environment to prevent discoloration of the backstamp decals.