Vintage 1940s Sheffield Floral Chop Plate with Gold Filigree circa 1949

{HISTORY}

Sheffield is the name of many things. It's a city in South Yorkshire, England. A town in Iowa and a pottery in Massachusetts. This platter hails from the New England pottery first started by the husband and wife team, Joseph and Marie Cowen in 1946.

Just after they were married, Joseph and Marie bought a farm in Sheffield, MA with the intention of growing vegetables and raising animals. Upon discovery of a clay pit on their property, they tinkered around with creating their own dishware and found such a love for it that they stopped farming altogether. Trading cows for kilns, they set up shop and began selling their dishware to their local community. A 1949 feature in Redbook magazine helped draw attention nationwide to the beautiful pieces the Cowens were making. As they say, the rest is history.

Still in business today, the pottery is operated by Marie and Joseph's son, John, and his wife. They no longer produce dishware but instead sell the local Sheffield clay and tools to other dish designers. 

This large round platter was made by Sheffield in 1949. Technically it's called a chop plate - not the prettiest of names but it's a really functional serving piece that goes way beyond presenting big pieces of meat at the table. Here in the Vintage Kitchen, we love to use chop plates as cake plates, wall decor, serving trays, and hors d'oeuvres platters. 

Featuring a beautiful pastel floral bouquet in the center with lacy gold filigree around the edges in 23 karet gold, this big plate packs a big dose of pretty presentation and shimmering style. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Colors include lemon, light pink, blueberry, cinnamon, celery, evergreen, grape and plum

- Large size 

- Unmarked on back 

{CONDITION}

In absolutely lovely vintage condition. There are no chips or cracks. The gold filigree is crisp and clear, the floral bouquet bright and the glaze very shiny. 

{SIZE}

Measures 12.75" inches (diameter) and weighs 2.4 lbs

{STYLE IDEA}

Find more platters in this Sheffield pattern in the shop here. This platter also looks especially pretty with this vintage 1940s Godey's Fashions chop plate thanks to their similar color palatettes and delicate designs.