Dinner Plate

MakerMade by Fraunfelter China Company (American, 1923 - 1939)

Dateearly 1930s

MediumMold-formed vitrified china with overglaze blue enamel and gilding

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (diameter): 10 1/8in. (25.7cm)

ClassificationsCeramics

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Robert D. Scanlon

Object number1980.2.3

DescriptionRound vitrified china dinner plate with printed blue enamel decoration. The plate is divided into three sections using a raised ceramic partition. The longest partition cuts from one rim to another, but not through the center of the plate, creating a large section. The second partition is at right angles to the first, creating two, equal-sized, but small sections. The rim of the plate is decorated with four equally spaced, printed designs in a light blue enamel. The first is a small airplane with a propeller at the front, two wings, and two skis. An unreadable name for the plane is printed on the side, as is "BYRD ANTARCTIC/ EXPEDITION". The second design shows a wooden sailing ship with three masts over the words "Byrd Antarctic Expedition II/ 'Bear of Oakland'". The third design shows a dog sitting on its hind legs and facing left. The fourth and final design shows a second, different, sailing ship with three masts over the words "Byrd Antarctic Expedition I/ 'City of New York'". A border of a thin line outside a thick line, both printed in dark blue enamel, follows the curve of the rim between the four designs. A small area of ceramic is visible near the rim in the larger partitioned area of the plate. This probably occurred at the time of manufacture.

NotesHistorical Notes: This plate, along with several other articles from Byrd's first (1932) and second (1933-1935) expedition to Antarctica, was collected by John Henry von der Wall (d. 1977) of Bolton, Connecticut. Von der Wall was a master diver and member of both expeditions.

Historical Note: The plate was given with "best wishes" by the Fraunfelter China Company of Zanesville, Ohio. It may have been used on one of Admiral Byrd's support ships, the "Jacob Ruppert" or the "Bear of Oakland." (Hudson and Malley 10/20/2004)

Subject Note: All four designs refer to different forms of transportation used during Byrd's expeditions to the Antarctic. The image of a dog represents the sled dogs used once the expedition landed on the continent. (Hunt 10/20/2004)

Status

Not on view