Union Porcelain Works Oyster Plate Value Guide

This Union Porcelain Works oyster plate is a premier example of Victorian-era American craftsmanship from Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Highly collectible for its intricate sea life motifs and six-well design, it represents the height of 19th-century dining fashion when oysters were a premier delicacy.

What Is Union Porcelain Works Oyster Plate Worth?

The typical price range for Union Porcelain Works Oyster Plate is $850 - $1,000 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence and clarity of the original Union Porcelain Works manufacturer marks on the reverse side.
• Overall condition, specifically the lack of chips or hairline fractures in the delicate porcelain wells.
• The vibrancy and detail of the hand-painted sea life motifs, with rarer patterns commanding higher prices.
• Market demand for authentic American-made Victorian oyster plates, which currently range from $850 to $1,000.

How to Identify Union Porcelain Works Oyster Plate?

• Look for the distinct 'UPW' eagle head or 'Union Porcelain Works Greenpoint N.Y.' backstamp commonly used during the 1880s.
• Examine the six wells for detailed, hand-painted sea life motifs such as shells, seaweed, or small marine creatures.
• Verify the porcelain quality, which should be heavy, durable, and feature a crisp, white glaze characteristic of the Brooklyn factory.
• Check for the specific Victorian aesthetic of molded textures that mimic natural oceanic elements within the plate's structure.

History of Union Porcelain Works Oyster Plate

Oyster plates gained immense popularity during the Victorian era, particularly between 1870 and 1900, as oysters became a fashionable delicacy. Union Porcelain Works, based in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, was a prominent American manufacturer known for its high-quality and artistically designed porcelain, including these decorative and functional serving dishes.