Treasures: We cannot tell a lie

Dear Helaine and Joe: These two plates have been in my family since the early 20th century. I find the images of George and Martha Washington to be quite exceptional. The plates are 9-3/4 inches in diameter. Can you share some information on this set? — D.R.B., Stuart, Fla.

Dear D.R.B.: Many people who write feel that age is an important factor, implying that it adds value — but this is not necessarily true.

Founded in 1908, the F. Thomas Porcelain Factory in Marktredwitz, Germany, manufactured the two plates in question. The antecedent of this firm — Jaeger, Thomas and Company — originated in 1898 and lasted until 1903, when Fritz Thomas left the firm and became part of Porcelain Factory Marktredwitz, Thomas and Ens.

This company endured from 1903 to 1908, but Thomas continued in business as F. Thomas Porcelain Factory. The Rosenthal Group acquired this company in 1909; it continues in operation to this day.

In 1960, the factory in Marktredwitz closed because it had become too small, and the company moved into new facilities in Speichersdorf, Germany, and became known as Thomas am Kulm. Currently, items marked with the Thomas logo found on the plates owned by D.R.B. are still being produced in Speichersdorf, as well as in the main Rosenthal factory in Selb, Germany.

What does all this history tell us? The plates in today's question could not possibly have been produced before 1908. The question that remains is, when after that date is the most likely time for these two items to have been manufactured by Thomas?

The answer probably lies in the history of George Washington's life (1732-1799). As every schoolchild knows, he became the father of his country and one of the most revered figures in the American pantheon.

His image and the image of his wife — Martha Dandridge Washington — have been used constantly during the history of our republic. But there was one time in the second quarter of the 20th century when a great flood of George- and Martha-related goods hit the market — on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of his birth.

The manufacturing of the various Washington items started a few years before the 1932 anniversary date, but we are comfortable with these two plates being circa 1930 and feel strongly that this is the most likely time of their origin. Examining the photographs, we have also come to the conclusion that the images are not hand-painted but are transfer-printed.

D.R.B. can confirm this by examining the image with a magnifying glass. If he sees little dots here and there, he can be sure that these are prints. However, there may be a little handwork in some areas, but this does not materially affect the value.

For insurance-replacement purposes, this charming set of plates commemorating George Washington's 200th birthday should be valued between $100 and $125.

Helaine Fendelman and Joe Rosson are the authors of "Price It Yourself." Contact them at Treasures in Your Attic, P.O. Box 27540, Knoxville, TN 37927. E-mail them at treasures@knology.net.)