Help with Majollica Plate Unmarked Sponged Base-Green Leaf

[Michelle Eagle]

Wondering if anyone could help identify this plate.  It is very thick with raised relief of leaves, nuts and flowers and the underside is a spongeware with no impressions or markings.  Judging by the chipped edges  and the unusual weight, it appears to be  old, however, I am not an expert on Majollica... thank

you so much for any help you can offer.

[vicki hufstetler]

Hi Michelle, I think what you have there is a "Strawberry leaf" plate. It may have been made by Clifton or Avalon potteries - both have similar pieces. These were copied off of Wegwood's "Strawberry" patterns of the same time period - mid-victorian era.

Value is probably not great, mainly due to the subject being quite common, and the maker(s) not of the "top of the line" grade, and condition issues. $25 - $40 is probably a fair price. But check ebay for recent sales of similar plates. Victorian Majolica fluctuates greatly. So you never know what you may get for a nice old piece!

BTW - Victorian Majolica is almost always done with a polychrome glaze - that is what gives it such a pretty and bright look, but it also makes it quite fragile, and wear is nearly always present to most pieces of the period.

[Michelle Eagle]

Thanks a million Vicki!