Belleek Shamrock Dinner Plate Value Guide

This Belleek Shamrock Dinner Plate is a quintessential example of Irish craftsmanship from the 1955-1965 era. Crafted from delicate Parian china, it features the legendary basketweave texture and hand-painted shamrocks that have defined the Fermanagh-based pottery since the late 19th century.

What Is Belleek Shamrock Dinner Plate Worth?

The typical price range for Belleek Shamrock Dinner Plate is $75 - $90 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the glaze, specifically looking for the absence of 'crazing' or chips on the delicate rim.
• The vibrancy and intactness of the hand-painted green shamrock motifs.
• Presence of the specific 1955-1965 period backstamp in clear, legible green ink.
• Overall translucency of the Parian body, with higher value placed on pieces with no internal discolorations.

How to Identify Belleek Shamrock Dinner Plate?

• Check for the Green Mark (Fifth Mark) on the underside, which was used by Belleek between 1955 and 1965.
• Examine the material for the signature Parian china translucency and a distinct creamy ivory luster.
• Verify the hand-painted shamrock details; authentic pieces show slight variations in the green pigment application.
• Feel for the crisp, raised relief of the basketweave pattern which should be sharp and well-defined.

History of Belleek Shamrock Dinner Plate

Belleek Pottery was established in 1857 in County Fermanagh, Ireland, founded by John Caldwell Bloomfield. The pottery gained international renown for its distinctive Parian china, known for its delicate translucency and ivory hue. The Shamrock pattern, introduced in the late 19th century, quickly became one of Belleek's most recognizable and beloved designs, symbolizing Irish heritage and craftsmanship. Each piece is still meticulously crafted by hand, carrying on a tradition of excellence for over a century and a half.