Johnson Brothers Old Britain Castles Pink Dinner Plate Value Guide

Introduced in 1930, the Old Britain Castles pattern is one of the most iconic transferware designs ever produced by Johnson Brothers in the United Kingdom. This specific 10-inch pink dinner plate features a detailed 18th-century engraving of Blarney Castle as it appeared in 1792, making it a staple for traditional English table settings.

What Is Johnson Brothers Old Britain Castles Pink Dinner Plate Worth?

The typical price range for Johnson Brothers Old Britain Castles Pink Dinner Plate is $18 - $22 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition is paramount; look for the absence of crazing, chips, or knife marks on the pink transfer design.
• The vibrancy of the pink pigment and the clarity of the transferware engraving significantly impact the $18-$22 price range.
• Manufacturing origin can affect value, as production moved from England to China in the later years of the series.
• The specific castle depicted can influence desirability among collectors looking to complete full sets of the various historical scenes.

How to Identify Johnson Brothers Old Britain Castles Pink Dinner Plate?

• Check for the 'Old Britain Castles' backstamp which often includes the name of the specific castle depicted, such as Blarney Castle.
• Verify the material is heavy, durable ironstone with a smooth glaze characteristic of Johnson Brothers production.
• Note that the '1883' date found on many backstamps refers to the company's founding year, not the 1930-2003 production era of this pattern.
• Look for the intricate floral border that frames the central historical castle engraving.

History of Johnson Brothers Old Britain Castles Pink Dinner Plate

Introduced in 1930, this pattern is one of the most iconic transferware designs ever produced. It depicts historical British castles based on 18th-century engravings. While the stamp says 1883, that refers to the date the company was founded, rather than the date of production. The line was so successful it remained in production for decades, becoming a staple of traditional English table settings.