Rosemarie Francke 'Sugar Mill' Miniature Collector Plate

A commemorative miniature porcelain collector plate featuring a monochromatic blue overglaze transfer-print design of a historic sugar mill in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. The artwork, created by artist Rosemarie Francke, is part of a series produced exclusively for 'Little Switzerland' by Villeroy & Boch (indicated by the logo on the inside cover). The plate is circular with a deep cobalt blue border inscribed with 'SUGAR MILL' at the top and 'ST. CROIX - VIRGIN ISLANDS' at the bottom. It is housed in its original cream-colored presentation folio, which features a gallery of other plates in the series, including depictions of Bluebeard's Castle and Fort Christian. The construction materials appear to be high-quality vitreous porcelain with a smooth, glossy finish. The condition appears to be excellent or 'new old stock' with no visible chips, cracks, or crazing. The folio displays minor edge wear but remains structurally sound. This piece likely dates from the late 20th century, approximately 1970-1990, coinciding with the peak of the souvenir collector plate market and the artist's activity in the Caribbean region.

I have virtually examined this Rosemarie Francke 'Sugar Mill' miniature collector plate. Based on the provided images, the porcelain exhibits a high-fire luster consistent with Villeroy & Boch production. The transfer-print quality is crisp, showing no evidence of pigment loss or overglaze scratching. The inclusion of the original 'Little Switzerland' presentation folio significantly enhances its collectibility, as these ephemeral paper elements are frequently lost. Market demand for late-20th-century souvenir plates has generally softened, with value now driven primarily by regional interest in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the reputation of the Villeroy & Boch brand. This piece is a common but well-preserved example of mid-tier Caribbean tourism memorabilia from the 1970s-80s. Comparables for individual plates in this series without packaging trade in the $15-$25 range, while complete sets or boxed examples command a premium. The 'Sugar Mill' motif is particularly desirable among St. Croix collectors. My assessment of 'Excellent' condition is based on the absence of visible crazing or chips in the photography; however, a physical inspection is required to confirm the integrity of the foot ring and to check for micro-fissures using a UV light. This appraisal assumes the piece is free of professional restoration. Full authentication would require verifying the backstamp and ensuring the folio’s glue hasn't acidified the porcelain surface. Without a physical tactile exam, this remains a preliminary valuation based on visual indicators of 'new old stock' quality.