Mid-Century Gilded Oval Platter (S-Mark)
Decorative Art / Ceramic Tableware • Sabin Industries (Sabin China Company), McKeesport, Pennsylvania
Style & Movement
Mid-Century American Pottery / Industrial Design
Medium & Technique
Glazed semi-vitreous earthenware or ironstone with 22-karat gold gilded accents apply via transfer or hand-painting.
Creation Period
Circa 1940-1960 (Mid-Century Modern era)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 11 to 14 inches in length; Oval landscape format.
Subject Description
A utilitarian oval serving platter featuring a creamy ivory or eggshell glaze. The centered backstamp reflects the brand's identify: a circular logo containing a stylized 'S' over a painter's palette, surrounded by the text 'Warranted 22 K Made in U.S.A.'
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (considering age). The glaze appears intact but shows typical factory stilt marks and minor surface wear.
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $35.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$10.00 - $25.00 USD
Provenance History
American domestic production from the post-WWII era; likely sold through department stores or as premium giveaway sets (stamps suggest commercial distribution).
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the mid-20th-century American ceramics boom where companies like Sabin decorated 'blanks' from other potteries (like Homer Laughlin or Taylor, Smith & Taylor) to provide affordable luxury (22k gold) to middle-class households.
Notable Features
The distinctive 'S-Palette' logo is a hallmark for collectors of Sabin China; the 'Warranted 22K' mark was a common marketing tool to guarantee the authenticity of the gold trim used in the decoration.
Condition Issues
Visible stilt marks (small pinholes in glaze from kiln firing) on the underside; potential fine utensil marks on the reverse from stacking; very minor rim wear.
Conservation Recommendations
Hand wash only to preserve the 22K gold integrity; avoid abrasive cleaners or microwave use due to metallic content.