Syracuse China Platter Value Guide

This Syracuse China oval platter represents the late-era production of one of America's most storied institutional dinnerware manufacturers. Known for their vitrified china process, these pieces are highly collectible due to their historical association with luxury railroads, hotels, and restaurants across the United States.

What affects the value of Syracuse China Platter?

• Condition is paramount; while vitrified china is chip-resistant, pieces without utensil marks or 'flea bites' command the full $30 value.
• The clarity and completeness of the '99 A' date code and manufacturer backstamp.
• Surface luster and the absence of staining or 'browning' from commercial dishwasher use.
• Market demand for late-era American-made Syracuse pieces following the company's closure in the 2000s.

How to Identify Syracuse China Platter?

• Locate the '99 A U.S.A.' backstamp on the underside, which specifically denotes the 1999 production year.
• Check for the signature vitrified finish, which gives the piece a heavy, dense feel and a glass-like surface.
• Verify the oval shape and smooth rim characteristic of Syracuse's commercial-grade serving platters.
• Look for the 'Syracuse China' brand name printed clearly alongside the origin mark.

History of Syracuse China Platter

Syracuse China was a prominent American manufacturer of commercial, institutional, and household china. Founded in Syracuse, New York, in 1871 as Onondaga Pottery Company, it later became famous for its durable and high-quality dinnerware. Their products were widely used in railroads, hotels, and restaurants across the United States. The company was innovative, being one of the first to produce vitrified china, making their wares exceptionally strong and chip-resistant. The '99 A' mark likely indicates a production date from 1999, or a specific production run during that era, as the company continued production into the early 2000s.