Gildea & Walker Melbourne Platter

[kidden6968]

Ok so I am going through more boxes of gram's stuff and came across some interesting finds.  I was able to find a number of these same platters posted on various auction sites and a pretty good price.  I do know that it is circa 1881.  Although there are no chips or breaks or damage there is quite a bit of crazing and some staining.  I am thinking this is pretty consistent with age.  Most of the platters I found also had similar crazing.

I also need to take a photography class  LOL  Inside - outside - no matter the lighting - just not that good.   

I wanted to share this find and get more information on possible value with the crazing that is evident.  Not sure I want to sell it but if I should it doesn't seem like Ebay would be the best option for a decent price.  Any thoughts?

I will also be posting several other finds   

[greenacres]

With my marks book from it says it was made Aug., 27, 1881.

[kidden6968]

Thanks Greenacres - ok I see the 27 in the mark but how does the rest of it translate the date?

[greenacres]

The "E" is the manufacture date. There's a chart. The "A" is the month of August. "27" is the day of the month. The last number is a parcel number.

[greenacres]

IV is the type of material - ceramics

I - metal
II - wood
III - glass

Rd means registered

[kidden6968]

See I learn something every day.  Thanks for sharing that info!   

[greenacres]

No problem!

[KC]

Here's a chart for dating English registry marks
http://www.drexelantiques.com/englishregistry.html

[kidden6968]

Thanks for all the info on reading the marks   

Still wondering if this is worth selling - have seen them listed for up to $325 (Amazon)  Ruby Lane has them listed from $260 and up and there were several on Worthpoint  - of course not sure if they are selling at that price.  Most of the ones I have seen also have crazing "consistent with age".  I am not sure how to guage that.  Would this fall under that category in anyone's opinion?

[kidden6968]

Ok I take that back  - the Amazon and Ruby Lane pieces specifically say no hairlines which I am assuming means crazing???  Of course I can't tell by the pics but either way.

The one I saw with crazing and some staining was on an old Live Auctioneers website and starting bid was $45 with an estimate of between $100 and $200 but nothing indicating if it was sold.

[aDawn]

I'm not sure about the prices, but "hairline" and "crazing" are different.  Hairline would be a tiny crack and affects the price, and crazing just naturally happens with age.

[KC]

You are right aDawn....they are very different!

[mart]

Its a nice platter and is exactly what you want to see on an old platter !! I would be skeptical if it did not have the crazing !! And it would not affect price in my opinion !! Or at least not if I was a bidder !!

[kidden6968]

Thanks Mart - still trying to decide but will let everyone know!!