Pickard China Plate Value Guide

Pickard China plates from the 1937-1950 era represent a pivotal shift when the company transitioned from decorating imported blanks to manufacturing their own premier American porcelain. These pieces are highly collectible for their signature 24K gold hand-painted decorations and the luxurious finish established by founder Wilder Pickard.

What Is Pickard China Plate Worth?

The typical price range for Pickard China Plate is $40 - $60 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the 24K gold leaf, as rubbing or loss of the metallic finish significantly reduces the $40-$60 market value.
• Complexity of the hand-painted design, with rare or highly detailed patterns commanding prices at the top of the valuation range.
• The presence and clarity of the gold lion backstamp, which confirms the 1937-1950 manufacturing origin.
• Overall structural integrity, specifically the absence of chips, cracks, or crazing in the fine porcelain body.

How to Identify Pickard China Plate?

• Look for the distinctive gold lion mark on the reverse side, which signifies the era after they began producing their own porcelain blanks in 1937.
• Examine the gilding for the heavy, textured application of 24K gold that is characteristic of Pickard's Chicago-based craftsmanship.
• Verify the porcelain quality; authentic pieces from this period feature a fine, translucent American-made body rather than imported European blanks.
• Check for intricate hand-painted motifs such as floral patterns or scrolling gold filigree that were hallmarks of their 1940s production.

History of Pickard China Plate

Pickard China was founded in 1893 by Wilder Pickard in Chicago, Illinois. Initially, the company specialized in decorating imported blank porcelain. They gained a reputation for their exquisite hand-painted gold decorations, often using 24K gold. In 1937, Pickard began producing their own porcelain blanks, becoming one of the premier American manufacturers of fine china. Their pieces are highly sought after by collectors for their quality and intricate designs, often featuring elegant motifs and a luxurious finish.