Pre-Revolutionary War Pewter Plate for an Extremely Low Price!

[VTColonialDigger]

I just bought this plate at a yard sale. I saw the old marks on the back and knew it was pretty old (I was thinking early 1800's) . Asked the price from the person running the sale, they said $5. Could not resist such a low price, so I bought it and brought it home. Did a little research on the touchmarks on the back and was pleasantly surprised.




These are the touchmarks on the back. On the top it says "INoWATTS" under a globe. To right it has a A Crowned rose with "LONDON" underneath.
Under those marks it has a series of square shaped marks that picture left to right: I.W, (I think) a globe, a lion, and a leopard.


Unfortunately, someone carved an "M" or a "W" in the side of the plate



This is the front. The scratches that show it was used is was really makes me think this is an original. It measured 8 1/4 inches across.

These are a few sites that helped me to find out what the plate was. I have figured out that it was made by John Watts between 1725-1766.

Large Pewter Charger, English, By John Watts, c. 1725-1760 London 18c Antique | eBay

An Pewter Export Basin by John Watts

https://www.rubylane.com/item/169093-1562/Circa-1725-Pewter-Charger-John-Watts

This last link shows a book with makers marks, with the "INoWATTS" mark that was John Watts' makers mark.

Good Luck and Happy Hunting,

VTColonialDigger

 

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[CRUSADER]

''Unfortunately, someone carved an "M" or a "W" in the side of the plate''

That is NOT unfortunate it points towards it being used by a soldier of the name 'M' or 'W' on campaign so as not to be confused with others. Part of its history.

 

[trapperart]

Congrats

 

[dansalata]

i love stuff like that,great pick up!!!

 

[Ahab8]

''Unfortunately, someone carved an "M" or a "W" in the side of the plate''

That is NOT unfortunate it points towards it being used by a soldier of the name 'M' or 'W' on campaign so as not to be confused with others. Part of its history.

Could not agree more! That's a great piece with a nice personal story and the initials to prove it. I'd say a very nice find

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Congratulations on the nice find!

 

[Scrappy]

Killer plate! The carved initial is a really nice personalized touch! I was fortunate enough to dig a pewter plate on an excursion with Ahab, and found out something very interesting. Apparently these plates were so well made, and thick, that they were virtually 'indestructible'. In fact, not many were thrown out for that exact reason. They survived well even during the rigors of war. One of the favorite features of my Plate are the cut marks from use. I see yours has them, and was a well used Plate. Great Find!!

 

[scruggs]

Good eye and nice find!

 

[Z.K.]

I have a lot of respect for your passion for history.

 

[sutphin]

NICE CCCCCCCCCCCCHARGER.