Although
it is not a rare group it certainly is attractive, and
those shown are all of a fine metal and are brilliant
and lacy. The Circled Star Back- ground ( 144 type) is
particularly attractive and is found in a fiery opalescent
as well as clear. The Four Way Leaf-Grape or Rose Between'
(90 type) is attractive, too, and occurs in several colors
and opalescent. Note the h. of this group which Mr. Marble
does not have classified. The one I list is in the Coan
collection now on exhibition in the local museum. The
cup plates there are drawing their share of attention
and are very attractive. The clear ones are displayed
on a black velvet while the colored ones are arranged
on easels in the cases so that light comes directly thru
them. There must be at least fifty colored ones in the
230 or more displayed.
The
minor differences in some of the plates that seem alike
( 595 and 596; 90 and 400, etc. ) will be taken up in
detail at a later date. The purpose here and
now is to make collectors generally acquainted with a
group at a time. To date there has appeared a classification
of 83 different cup plates and a list of all adaptions*.
Where values are given it is an estimated value taken
from an average of prices asked by leading dealers over
a period of time.
Beginning
collectors have found it better to start their collection
with but one of a type. Many have said that is all they
would collect but after they have around 100 different
ones they become a pretty show, and having a better appreciation
the collector goes after the varieties and the hunt is
on. Cup plates sell very well. There is a general understanding
of classification and values are becoming pretty well
evened out. I handle hundreds per year myself and Jim
Rose claims he handles over 2000 per year. Years ago dealers
would pay $15.00 to $25.00 for Fort Pitt eagles, but today
they know different and half the lower figure is a very
good price. On the other hand some conventionals that
were frowned upon at $10.00 are taken very quickly today,
even at an advance. It is a lot of fun collecting them
and, like china, no one has ever ever had all that are
known and no one ever will.
In
the next issue another conventional group,
related
by method of manufacture will be illustrated and classified.
A discussion will be given and the conclusion will show
that a considerable number of cup plates are yet to be
discovered. Better than that, you will know the ones to
be discovered. All facts~not suppositions.
The
new cup plates on the market today ( 1939 ) were not made
as fakes or reproductions. but to be used as ash trays
adapted from cup plates. All are easIly recognized and
are listed In the second Issue of The American Antique
Collector page 34.
