When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Up for sale is a beautiful, highly collectible antique Staffordshire Historical Views green transferware plate, produced during the late Victorian to early Edwardian era (circa 1895–1910). This rare piece features a detailed, monochromatic depiction of the historic War of 1812 Battle of Lake Erie (Sept. 10, 1813), showcasing Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry leaving his disabled flagship, the USS Lawrence.The central naval vignette is framed by a rich, beautifully dense asymmetrical border of mixed fruits and flowers that completely fills the rim.The reverse side features an elegant scrolled banner backstamp quoting Perry's legendary catchphrase: "We have met the enemy, and they are ours." It also includes a rare, localized American merchant mark: "Made Expressly for C.L. Knapp & Co., Leavenworth, KAN."Item Details:Production Style: Underglaze TransferwareMaterial: Heavy, durable Ironstone (Earthenware)Pattern / Product Line: Historical Views – Battle of Lake ErieTheme: American Naval Patriotism & Americana NostalgiaRetailer / Importer: C.L. Knapp & Co., Leavenworth, Kansas (Established 1894)Color: Green on a White/Cream baseDiameter: Approx. 10 inchesCountry of Origin: Staffordshire, England (Marked "England" post-1891 McKinley Tariff Act)Condition:Excellent vintage/antique condition with bright, crisp coloring and magnificent display quality. Please review the high-resolution photos carefully to assess final condition, fine glaze crazing, or minor surface wear typical of a 120-year-old ironstone piece.
⭐ EXTREMELY RARE MIDWESTERN HISTORICAL SURVIVAL ⭐While standard Staffordshire historical plates appear on the market from time to time, this specific green transferware edition is a true holy grail for regional historians and Kansas antique collectors. It features the incredibly elusive custom merchant mark on the reverse: "Made Expressly for C.L. Knapp & Co., Leavenworth, KAN." Chauncey L. Knapp established his prominent Leavenworth storefront on Delaware Street in 1894, importing hyper-limited, custom-ordered batches of these souvenir plates directly from England for his premium clientele. Because these were localized commemorative pieces distributed within a small geographic community over 120 years ago, very few examples have survived intact. This is an exceptional opportunity to own a piece of turn-of-the-century pioneer Kansas mercantile history that rarely ever crosses the sale block!
The "England" Stamp (Post-1891): The word "ENGLAND" printed on the back was required by the US McKinley Tariff Act of 1890, which forced all imported goods to state their country of origin starting in 1891.The Kansas Retailer (Post-1894): The plate was made for C.L. Knapp & Co. in Leavenworth, Kansas. Archival business records show Chauncey L. Knapp established his prominent crockery and queensware business in Leavenworth in 1894.
Front Decoration: Gorgeous, intricate multicolor/green transferware border featuring lush floral arrangements, blooming roses, chrysanthemums, and clusters of fruit (grapes and apples).Central Scene: A powerful nautical depiction of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry bravely transferring his command flag from his crippled flagship, the USS Lawrence, over to the USS Niagara while actively under British artillery fire.SpecificationsType: Commemorative Historical Dinner PlateMaterial: Semi-Porcelain / EarthenwareColorway: Green Transferware (Multicolor accents on rim)Era: Circa late 1890s – early 1900sOrigin: Manufactured in Staffordshire, England
Front Condition: Excellent antique condition. The multicolor floral and fruit border is bright and vibrant. The central battle scene transfer remains crisp, clear, and highly detailed with minimal surface wear from age.Back/Reverse Condition: Excellent antique condition. The underglaze green backstamp is remarkably crisp, completely legible, and beautifully preserved. There is no heavy staining or discoloration across the back surface.Overall: No major structural cracks, hairline fractures, or large chips. Beautiful glaze integrity for its age. (There are a few vintage inventory/price stickers present on the reverse, which can be left as-is for provenance or gently removed by the buyer).
Guestchr-4