French Antique Sarreguemines Plate

This antique French dessert plate made by Utzschneider & Cie in the "Types Bretons" pattern. The Bretons live in Brittany in northwestern France and are so often pictured on Quimper pottery. The transfer printed scene depicts a boatman holding an oar and carrying his gargoulette (water jug). He's dressed in the traditional 19th century sailor's outfit, topped with a beret. He is chatting with a comely French mademoiselle, also dressed in 1800's clothing, wearing a conical, lace trimmed cap and carrying a parasol.

The central scene has these words printed beneath it:

MARINIER DES BORDS DE LA LOIRE, NANTES (BOATMAN FROM THE BANKS OF THE LOIRE, NANTES)

It's surrounded by crowned coats of arms, fruits and flowers and a wonderful scene with an anchor, crossed oars, a chicken and a rooster and baskets of fish. All of this is on pure white faience. The mark on the underside Includes "U & Cie" (for Utzschneider and Company), "TYPES BRETONS" (Breton Types) and "SARREGUEMINES." This mark was used circa 1900.

The plate measures 8 inches across and weighs 9 ounces. Save for a tiny old chip on the left upper edge it is in excellent condition, with no hairlines, cracks or stains. It's a beautiful antique plate that displays beautifully.

⁂Mark reference: The website Porcelain Marks and More, under the heading Lorraine: Sarreguemines.

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