Spirit of '76 Bicentennial Commemorative Plate
Decorative Art / Commemorative Plate • Mass-produced; based on the original painting 'The Spirit of '76' (originally titled 'Yankee Doodle') by Archibald Willard (1875)
Style & Movement
Americana / Bicentennial Revivialism
Medium & Technique
Pewter or pewter-finished alloy with a central porcelain/ceramic inset featuring a lithographic or decal transfer print
Creation Period
circa 1976 (Bicentennial Era)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 9-11 inches in diameter; circular format
Subject Description
A reproduction of Archibald Willard's famous patriotic image depicting two drummers and a fife player marching through a battlefield during the American Revolutionary War. The rim is embossed with 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'SPIRIT OF '76'.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; shows visible surface oxidation, scratches on the metal rim, and dust accumulation
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 – $25.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$5.00 – $15.00 USD
Provenance History
Likely a consumer purchase from a department store or mail-order catalog during the mid-1970s US Bicentennial celebrations
Art Historical Significance
Low; it is a mass-produced collectible item rather than a unique art object. It represents the mid-20th-century trend of 'Bicentennial kitsch' and the popularization of 19th-century patriotic iconography.
Notable Features
Features the embossed stars and bold serif typography characteristic of 1970s patriotic memorabilia; uses a widely recognized icon of American national identity.
Condition Issues
Significant surface grime, scratching on the soft metal rim, and possible yellowing of the protective glaze on the central decal inset.
Conservation Recommendations
Gently clean with a soft microfiber cloth and mild soap; avoid abrasive metal polishes which may strip the finish or damage the central artwork.