French Antique Faience Conversation Plates Set of Three

These three pretty antique faience plates from Digoin et Sarreguemines in France were made in the years 1875-1900. They are "talking plates"--- or "assiettes parlantes" in French---with black and white transfer scenes and comments meant to entertain diners while à table. This trio is part of the "devinettes" (riddles) series. The answers are on the underside of each plate. We find the riddles and answers a bit unusual, but that may be our translations:

Plate #11 Savez-vous sergent la différence qu'il ya entre une voute et une chand d'vins?

Do you know, Sergeant, the difference between a vault and a wine cellar?

Answer: L'une rend l'echo, l'autre le garde.

One gives the echo, the other keeps it.

Plate #2 A quel titre un enfant né hier peut-il servir dans un régiment?

In what capacity can a child born yesterday serve in a regiment?

Answer: Comme vivandière

As a vivandière {A vivandière was a woman attached to a military regiment who sold provisions

to soldiers and acted also as a nurse and laundress.}

...Sellers' Note: Chauvinistic, sexist and not at all funny.

Plate #6 Quel est le cucurbitacée le plus apte a écrire su biographie du vinaigre?

Which cucurbit is best suited to writing your biography of vinegar? {a cucurbit is a member of the

gourd family, such as a cucumber.}

Answer: Le cornichon qui est confi dans du vinaigre.

The pickle that is preserved in vinegar.

The stamped black mark on the undersides was used in the last quarter of the 1800's. It's composed of the Lorraine coat of arms under a crown, surrounded by "Digoin & Sarreguemines." Sarreguemines and Digoin were two locations for the same faience (earthenware) factory, the Digoin & Sarreguemines company.

All three plates are in excellent condition, with no chips, cracks, crazing, etc., however plate number 2 has some discoloration on the back only. The plates are 7 1/2 inches in diameter and each weighs 8 ounces. Their edges are decorated in blue printed sphinxes, flowers and arabesques. These antique French plates display beautifully.

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