Lure of the Leopard Franklin Mint Limited Edition Plate by Anthony Gibbs

This item is a decorative porcelain collector's plate, specifically titled "Lure of the Leopard" and attributed to artist Anthony Gibbs. It is clearly marked as a "Limited Edition" and made of "Fine Porcelain." The plate bears the inscription "THE FRANKLIN MINT HEIRLOOM RECOMMENDATION," indicating its origin from The Franklin Mint, a well-known producer of collectible items. The reverse of the plate, visible in the image, is predominantly white porcelain with black text and graphics. It features a central circular design containing the title, artist's signature, and manufacturing details. A handwritten plate number, "RT 0199," is present, suggesting its sequence within the limited edition. A crucial warning is inscribed along the bottom edge: "NOT FOR FOOD USE - FOOD CONSUMED FROM THIS PLATE MAY BE HARMFUL THIS IS A DECORATIVE ARTICLE ONLY." This explicitly states its purpose as an ornamental piece rather than functional dinnerware. The overall condition appears good, with no immediately visible chips, cracks, or significant wear. There is some minor discoloration or residue along the rim of the footring, which could be surface dirt or minor age-related patina, but it does not appear to be significant damage. The text is sharp and clear, indicating good print quality and minimal abrasion. The design and manufacturing details suggest an item from the late 20th century, a period when The Franklin Mint was highly active in producing such collectible plates.

Upon examining the provided images of this 'Lure of the Leopard' collector's plate by Anthony Gibbs, I can assess its condition and potential value. The plate appears to be in very good condition, with no visible chips, cracks, or crazing. The printed text and central design on the reverse are sharp and clear, suggesting minimal wear. The handwritten plate number 'RT 0199' is consistent with Franklin Mint's practice for limited editions. The markings, including 'Fine Porcelain,' 'The Franklin Mint Heirloom Recommendation,' and the artist's name, all appear authentic for this type of collectible. The market for late 20th-century collector plates, including those from The Franklin Mint, has significantly declined since its peak. These items were produced in large 'limited' editions, and the supply far exceeds current collector demand. The primary value driver is now decorative and sentimental rather than investment potential. The warning 'NOT FOR FOOD USE' is standard for plates using materials with potential lead content and correctly identifies it as a decorative object. Based on recent sales of comparable Franklin Mint animal-themed plates on secondary markets like eBay, the value is consistently low. While the item appears authentic based on visual evidence, a definitive authentication would require in-person examination to check for repairs under UV light and to confirm the quality of the porcelain. However, given the low market value, such extensive verification is not typically warranted for this category of collectible.