Lancaster County Pennsylvania Souvenir Plate
Decorative ceramic, souvenir transferware plate • Kettlesprings Kilns (manufactory), Alliance, Ohio
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Americana / Commemorative Souvenir Ware
Medium & Technique
Glazed white porcelain or vitreous china with green underglaze transfer-printed decoration
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century, circa 1950-1970
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 10 inches in diameter; Circular tondo format
Subject Description
Compositional collage featuring historic landmarks of Lancaster County, PA. Central vignette shows Wheatland and Penn Square. Perimeter vignettes include Ephrata Cloisters, Franklin & Marshall College, Hans Herr House, Amish Buggy, Landis Valley Farm Museum, and local industry symbols like a pretzel and Stiegel glass.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the glaze appears glossy with no visible cracks or heavy staining
Estimated Market Value
$15 - $35 USD
Auction Estimate
$10 - $25 USD
Provenance History
Likely purchased as a souvenir in Pennsylvania Dutch Country; Kettlesprings Kilns was a prolific producer of limited-edition plates for churches or civic groups
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of mid-century regionalism and the rise of the American heritage tourism industry post-WWII
Notable Features
Features the slogan 'America's Garden Spot'; the detailed green transfer print mimics 19th-century Staffordshire patterns but with localized American iconography
Condition Issues
Minor shelf wear on the base ring; slight potential for crazing or minor factory kiln spots common in this era of mass production
Conservation Recommendations
Hand wash only; avoid abrasive cleaners; display on a plastic-coated plate rack to prevent scratching the glaze
Collector Notes
Kettlesprings