Featured Items

DAUGHTERS OF THE REVOLUTION PLATES - DAR SCHOOLS

As we begin our fifteenth year in business, we hope you will shop with us often, or just get in touch to tell us what you are looking for or how we can help you with your College Plate needs. Be sure to look at our Featured Items and links as there is always interesting information posted both places.

In the meantime, as a long-time history buff I love having DAR issue plates and merchandise in stock. The DAR supported schools often had plates produced by Wedgwood for fund-raising purposes or for gifts for various honored individuals. Here is a plate for the largest DAR school, Tamassee, in Tamassee, SC. The DAR issue items that are not specifically for schools are here, have a look if you are a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution or just interested in American History.

WW795-10C -- $48.00 [Add to Cart]
ABRAHAM LINCOLN INTERESTING FACTS & PLATES

We now also have a red version of this nice Vernon Kilns plate commemorating Honest Abe, so appropriate in this Lincoln birthday month. The statue depicted on this place is located in Harrogate, TN on the Campus of Lincoln Memorial University, an "institution which provides advanced education based on American ideals and is a shrine to the 16th President." The statue is the first of Lincoln erected on the soil of a former Confederate state! The sale of the plate when it was originally produced was to maintain scholarships for women students at LMU. The National Society Daughters of the Union 1861-1865 supports this university with monetary donations. The NSDU archives are held at the University also establishing a close relationship between the organizations. Both of our plates are in gorgeous mint condition.

CL226 -- $48.00 [Add to Cart]
HARVARD CLASS OF 1856 ALBUM OF HALF-TONE PORTRAITS RARE

There are many books of information about the various classes of years gone by at Harvard. The Class Secretary frequently was charged with gathering information & pictures to publish a review of the class and biographies of the class members at intervals after the 25th anniversary of the class. This volume is very unusual in that it is a compilation of half-tone portraits printed with no other information about the class members. We are in the process of researching some of the class members and the book will have our research with it when it finds a new home. As far as we know so far the most famous person in the class was Charles Francis Adams and his is the first picture in the book. The photographs have been individually identified in pencil all in the same hand-writing. A couple include death dates, and from our research we find several others were already deceased when this book was published. It is an oddity, why would one publish a book with NO text? The photos in this album are identical to the later-in-life portraits of the class members found in the 1906 50th anniversary Class History. Perhaps this was a preliminary album to record the photos available, lay out the size, or some such. Let us know if you have any questions or any input for us. Meantime, we'll keep looking for another one, we'd like to see if there were any printed with the names. We have the class rankings for the Class of 1856 so we can annotate the list with that information. There is a volume held in the Harvard Archives entitled Class Album 1856 and we are actively seeking a local Harvard student or employee who would, after we request the book from the Archives, go to the library and examine it for us; it may be an example of this volume. If you would like to do that, please contact us through this website.

CL123 -- $225.00 [Add to Cart]
CHARMING VINTAGE CARO-NAN WOODEN DARTMOUTH COLLEGE BASKET PURSE

These handpainted charmers were all the rage in the 1960s to early 70s. They were crafted by Caro-Nan with scenes of cities (Baltimore, Milwaukee, etc.), flowers, butterflies, etc. This one is signed and on top says "Dartmouth". The buildings are all from the beautiful Hanover, New Hampshire campus of Dartmouth College - Campion's shop (sold Dartmouth College Plates), Hanover Inn (still going strong), Baker Library (scene on one of the plates), Thayer, Hopkins Center, Rollins Chapel, Dartmouth Row and more. The lining is a darling quilted chintz and in great condition. You will see on our extra photos there is some flaking of the paint on the dark green bands, but that could be touched up or just left "as is" to add to the vintage charm of this wonderful basket. One could carry this as a purse, but it would also be charming to use it to store scarves, or on a bookshelf or display. This would also be great for someone who likes folk art, interesting items, or New England collectibles. Email us with any questions; it's located in Maine and available for pick up if desired. Check out our extra photos so you can see how cute this bag really is! 

CK405 -- $49.99 [Add to Cart]
MISCELLANEOUS YALE PIECES - GREAT WEDDING GIFTS

For Yale brides and brides-to-be comes this idea. Why not use a demitasse cup & saucer, or saucer alone with a pretty blue & white candle, as a bridesmaid's gift? Or if you are attending the wedding of a Yale couple, a plate or some cups would be a fabulous gift to get them started on a collection which will bring them lifelong pleasure. Illustrated here is a bouillon cup but we also have demitasse sets that are a tad smaller and would be lovely gifts for that special someone involved in your wedding! Let us know if we can help you with some ideas! Click on the photo to take you back to the regular listing for this piece.

WWKL702-21C -- $42.00 [Add to Cart]
SOFT GREEN TUFTS PLATES, HARDER TO FIND THAN RED & BLUE

We'd like to call your attention to these beautiful soft light green plates for Tufts College, now University. Normally one finds this school's plates in red or blue. Several of our college plate references don't even mention that they were produced in green. Currently we have a complete set of the four different scenes in stock in green. One has a fine hairline, making it not satisfactory for eating, but fine for display. These green plates were made in 1932, the same time-frame as the reds and blues, so perhaps they were simply made in a smaller edition, maybe not expected to sell as well? Tufts plates are interesting also in that their backstamps are gorgeous, much more artistic than most. We'd be happy to help you find more of these wonderful examples of the Wedgwood college production. Click on the photo to see the full listing for this plate.

WWKT772-05C -- $68.00 [Add to Cart]
ANNAPOLIS NAVAL ACADEMY PHOTO SCRAPBOOK c1910 RARE FIND

Another item we are pleased to offer our clients is this professionally produced scrapbook from about 1910. It is a book full of black & white photos, one per page, about 6" x 8" each. They are professional photos of various campus and Annapolis scenes - of course The Chapel, grandstand at the athletic field, the Main Gate, a photo of a duty squad of midshipmen (genealogy anyone? Your ancestor at USNA in this time-frame?), Bancroft Hall, Lover's Lane and Academic Hall, Chapel from the Colonnade and more. We are happy to send photos and more information to a prospective buyer. We realize that at the higher price range buyers probably want to see more of what they would be buying and we're happy to oblige, just drop us an email or give us a call. We have recently added several new books on various schools, so scroll through all the schools that you might have connections with and see what we might have to please.

CL110P -- $175.00 [Add to Cart]
LOUISE E. BETTENS - Fabulous Harvard History & Genealogy Book RARE FIND

We believe that expensive books need good description so viewers can understand the value of the item. This volume is a great example and a fabulous find. First, it is full leather bound with silk endpapers privately published in 1910. There were 250 copies printed, but the first 12 were entitled 'Louise E. Bettens', the mother of the author Edward E. Bettens. These 12 were given to special friends, family members and important colleagues at Harvard. The copy we have for sale is one of the special 12 and was given to Eliot Tuckerman of New York City, and his letter acknowledging receipt of the book is printed within. The mailing label, cut from the original packing, from Edward Bettens to Mr. Tuckerman is enclosed. Thomas Simms Bettens, Harvard Class of 1874, was a teacher at a private school funneling students to the Ivies, and obviously much loved and respected. The other books of the 250 edition were entitled 'Thomas S. Bettens' and the edition was published upon the death of Professor Bettens. Eliot Tuckerman was the chairman of a committee of Professor Bettens' students, graduates of Harvard, Yale, Princeton & Columbia, who proposed, designed and procured a fountain in memory of Professor Bettens at the Harvard Student Union. All this correspondence is included in this wonderful book, along with poems, tributes, letters, photogravures (faced with tissue) having to do with the Bettens family, Mrs. Bettens' struggle after her husband's untimely death and the careers of her sons, mostly Thomas the teacher. Her first son died early and is memorialized in the book also. This is a true literary treasure, a treasure of gorgeous book-binding, and of course a tremendous bit of Harvard history. This is a MUST HAVE in any complete library of Harvard literature. Please do not hesitate to ask us for more information and more photos if you have any hesitation about this book. We are proud to offer this to our Harvard collectors!

Here is a bit more information about the book:

"SMITH COLLEGE RARE GIFT TO THE LIBRARY Northampton, Oct. 6 (Special) — At the last Smith College chapel exercises President Neilson took the occasion to announce the presentation to the Browning Room of the library of a new book entitled "Mrs. Louise E. Bettens." In characterizing the book President Neilson said: 'It is one of the most valuable that we possess, as it is one of the most exquisite pieces of book-making in respect to its binding and illustrations; but it is even more valuable than this because of its contents.' The story is a tribute written by a son to his mother, who was left, while still young, a widow with three sons to support. As a teacher and newspaper woman she struggled and managed to put these sons through college. Blindness and paralysis overtook her, but she persevered, and became a woman of great cul ture. Two of the sons died. The third, who did not marry, stayed with her to the end, and has published this volume as a memorial to her devotion. There have been published only two hundred and fifty copies of this book, which are for private distribution." (From Boston Evening Transcript, October 6th, 1917.)

CL110W -- $300.00 [Add to Cart]
MIT Printer Block and Cigarette - Tobacco leather

We have recently added several Printer's Blocks and leathers to our inventory, for several different schools. This example is the only one we have priced as a set, and we are willing to separate them, $10 for the leather, $49 for the stamp, just send us an email and we'll work with you. During the 1900 to about 1910 time-frame, these leathers were used as premiums in tobacco and cigarette packets. They are available for a large number of colleges and universities and a few other schools. They look very handsome matted in coordinating colors and framed. They make nice bookmarks too! The printer blocks can also be framed, but look great on a well-kept desk as a paperweight too. We also stock quite a few of the cigarette silks, and will be adding them to inventory. Check the listing for your school to see what we have listed so far or send an email to check to see if we have your school in stock but not yet listed. Certainly these make an interesting and unusual gift for that new student or alum, and make great graduation gifts. Shipping on the leathers is very inexpensive of course, and the blocks can be sent in bubble envelopes very economically also. We currently have leathers for Bucknell, West Point, USC, U of Chicago, St. Louis and Columbia Universities listed, but have plenty more in stock. For the printer's blocks we have Fordham University, Carnegie Tech, Johns Hopkins, Cleveland Schools, Western Reserve and Vanderbilt so do check them out!

CL402 -- $59.00 [Add to Cart]
ÉGLOMISÉ REVERSE PAINTINGS ON GLASS - WHAT ARE THEY?

In stock now, in addition to several decorative mirrors with verre églomisé reverse paintings at the top, we have four framed collegiate paintings in the same églomisé treatment. These are framed pieces of glass with reverse painted scenes of buildings on the campuses of various schools. The painted scenes are applied in reverse to the back of the glass, then it is framed. [Here is a definition for those who might not be familiar with the term églomisé: églo·mi·sé \ˌâ-glə-(ˌ)mç-ˈzâ, ˌe-; ˈâ-glə-(ˌ)mç-ˌ, ˈe-\ Function: adjective Etymology: French, past participle of églomiser meaning to decorate a glass panel by painting on its back, from French Decorator Jean-Baptiste Glomy who died in 1786 : made of glass on the back of which is a painted picture that shows through.] This technique, which dates back to the 18th century, is expensive and is no longer produced for these college accessories. In today's market the effect is reproduced by the use of prints of the paintings applied to the back of the glass panels, much like a decal process. The paintings are soft but yet detailed depictions of favorite campus scenes. The goldleaf wood frames lend a soft antique look and at 9.5" x 14.5", they make a lovely yet not overpowering statement in the home or office decor. Valued by alums, professors, students and proud parents, they are an excellent way to show one's school dedication and spirit. You can Browse Schools to see the others besides this University of Michigan example once you return to the regular listing for this one by clicking on the photo, then just click the Browse Schools button from the dark blue bar on the left. In stock currently are Amherst, Auburn University, University of North Carolina, Salem College in North Carolina as well as this University of Michigan example. We have adequate packing materials to see that they arrive at their new home in good condition. Let us know if you would like more photos or further information in your shopping process.

CK703 -- $85.00 [Add to Cart]
ÉGLOMISÉ MIRRORS - SEVERAL IN STOCK HARVARD & MORE

The Églomisé process is no longer used these days and these high quality, hand- painted mirrors are difficult to find, having been produced between 1965 & 1975. They are reverse painted panels which are placed atop mirrors and framed to be used as lovely decorative accessories for the homes of alums, students and proud parents. [Please see our Featured Item Frame above for a definition and further discussion of the églomisé process.] They will take special packing, but we are prepared for that and hope you won't let the shipping keep you from enjoying these great collegiate accessories. Each of those we have in stock is in great condition with silvertone wood frames. Please let us know if you wish more photos, further description or any other information while you are considering your purchase. Click the photo to return to the regular listing for this Harvard mirror. Also in stock are mirrors for Columbia University, University of Connecticut, Cornell and Colby College in Maine. You can Browse Schools to see the others once you return to the regular listing, just click the Browse Schools button from the dark blue bar on the left.

CK708 -- $125.00 [Add to Cart]
ROMANTIC STAFFORDSHIRE IN THE COLLEGE PLATES WORLD

One might wonder why we have added these two classic Staffordshire blue and white romantic plates to our CollegePlates.com inventory, and rightly so. This pattern is called 'University' and we think it fits right in with our late 19th and early to mid-twentieth century college wares offerings. The British potters, for the most part especially in the early days (this plate dates to about 1841), never left the Staffordshire area of central England. The scenes engraved on copper plates for transferring onto china were in many cases the figments of the artists' imaginations. That is why designs such as this are called 'romantic' and not 'historical' Staffordshire. This design is some artist's imagination of a scene at university. Perhaps he had been to a university and this was his memory. If your home is filled with lovely English ceramics or a collection of college wares, this plate would be right at home illustrating another facet of china collecting. We have two currently in stock, this one is in a bit better condition than the other, however, the other isn't bad, with a couple of slight dings. It was purchased at an estate sale in a lovely Georgian Colonial home full of exquisite china and looked right at home among the finery. Be sure to click on the photo to return to the regular inventory listing for further particulars.

CL238A -- $95.00 [Add to Cart]
SPECTACULAR ROWLAND & MARCELLUS YALE ROLLED EDGE PLATE

Among the most beautiful of Staffordshire souvenir and historic plates are the Rowland & Marcellus (an English exporting firm which sent a great deal of china to the USA in the late 19th and early 20th centuries) rolled edge plates. Every one we've ever seen was a deep blue, beautifully designed and boasting always gorgeous transfer scenes. This 10" historic plate represents Yale College, now University of course. There are 6 outer cartouches depicting scenes from the campus. The center shows the historic scene Old Brick Row. This plate was originally commissioned by retailer Edward Malley in New Haven. These were made in the beginning of the 20th century and make spectacular statements in a Yale family's den, office, family room or even in the kitchen! Check the Yale University category for other historic plates, as well as a spectacular collection of pristine Yale Wedgwood china from a single-owner set.

CL208 -- $139.00 [Add to Cart]
VINTAGE HARVARD COLOR ENGRAVING - YALE COLLEGE + University of VIRGINIA

We offer three prints from well-known schools which are a great look for study or office. On the Yale and Harvard prints, the gold tone wood frames are a tad bit worn, but nothing that detracts from the vintage look! The University of Virginia example is newer, with a different kind of frame, still a great vintage look. Browse the schools to see their photos and prices. Click the photo to return to the full listing for this Harvard item.

CK702 -- $30.00 [Add to Cart]
THE MENTOR Magazine September, 1924 West Point & Annapolis

We have found a new passion! "The Mentor" is the name of a magazine published by The Mentor Association, "Established for the Development of a Popular Interest in Art, Literature, Science, History, Nature and Travel". The Mentor Library was vast and covered MANY interesting topics. On the cover of each issue one finds "LEARN ONE THING AT A TIME". What a concept! The covers themselves are all interesting and very artistic, what today we would call coffee table material! Each issue contains articles about the subject and tipped in four to six individual gravures of representative samples of the topics. One really could learn a great deal about each topic by simply reading the complete issue. Many of the gravures would be beautiful framed too!

This issue about Annapolis & West Point is lavishly illustrated and describes in detail the schools, traditions, history and people. The 1920s era covers are frequently this vibrant blue & yellow colorway, very attractive. Another thing we can study is inflation. The July 1, 1915 issue cost 15 cents, and as you can see by September, 1924 it was up to 35 cents! For any collector of ephemera or books, these volumes are wonderful; for a collector of Naval or Army ephemera, this particular issue is a wonderful find as well. If you stumble on these magazines at house sales, flea markets, etc., be sure to look through them. Perhaps you'll find some on topics of interest to you! Be sure to click on the image above to return to our regular listing for this item. Enjoy!

CL519 -- $20.00 [Add to Cart]
COLLEGE SHIELDS PLATE BY LYONS

Here is a great find! We believe this is a sample made up for a prospective client to see the quality of transfers, colors, china composition, etc. The MIT crest is in the center, with other schools around the fairly flat perimeter edge. On the back are the names of the schools, and a crest for Keuka College. With all these bright colors, this would be a great display piece for parents who have had children in many schools, or a professor who has professed at many schools. Please contact us for further information and see our listing for the names of the schools represented by simply clicking on the photo. Also see our other interesting plate with multiple school crests, The American College Plate.

CK213 -- $110.00 [Add to Cart]
FRANK BEARDMORE & CO THE AMERICAN COLLEGE PLATE

The center of our CollegePlates.com logo is a wonderfully interesting and rare plate from the Staffordshire (Fenton, England) pottery Frank Beardmore & Co. This company was only manufacturing pottery from 1904 to 1913, so all production from Beardmore is rare today, there simply was not much of it!

The American College Plate was produced in two colors, this beautiful dark blue and a nice clear green. This series has a rolled edge, much like that of the Rowland & Marcellus plates also manufactured in the Staffordshire area. The saying in the banner is "The Pen is Mightier than the Sword" and around the edge are the crests or emblems of twelve different American colleges & universities - University of Virginia, Harvard, Columbia University, Dartmouth, Williams, Princeton, Amherst, Cornell, NYU, Johns Hopkins, Yale & the University of Pennsylvania. What a statement this plate would make in a den or office! Hit your back button and choose BROWSE SCHOOLS, then click THE AMERICAN COLLEGE PLATE in the schools listing and take a look at the green listing. In our combined years of college wares sales, we've only found about five examples of this plate.

CK205 -- $125.00 [Add to Cart]

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