Vintage "Washington Crossing the Delaware" Decorative Plate by Rowland & Marsellus Co.

Presented is a "Washington Crossing the Delaware" blue-glazed transferware plate, by the famous earthenware importers, The Rowland & Marsellus Company. Made in Staffordshire, England, for the American market, the plate’s center design depicts the Revolutionary War crossing of the icy Delaware River. General George Washington stands at the helm of the small row boat, a scene made famous by the 1850 oil-on-canvas by Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze. The plate’s border is decorated with flowers and fruits. The plate commemorates General George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River on the night of December 25–26, 1776, during the American Revolutionary War. That action was the first move in a surprise attack against the Hessian forces at Trenton, New Jersey, in the Battle of Trenton. As the end of 1776 came to a close, the American army was exhausted, depleted, and demoralized. The British had run revolutionary forces out of both New York and New Jersey. Knowing that the majority of the militia’s period of service was about to expire on the 31st of December, it was imperative that Washington craft a strategic and offensive next move. The surprise attack was successful, proving to be a major victory and providing the much-needed morale boost for Americans to re-enlist. This earthenware plate was decorated using the printing process called transferware, a highly collectable method used to adorn antique china in white and blue patterns. Vintage transferware dishware was exceedingly popular during the Victorian era. In the late 18th century, Chinese porcelain was extremely sought-after, thanks to their rich and delicately detailed blue patterns hand painted on white backgrounds. However, due to trade prices, Chinese porcelain pieces were expensive and generally limited to the wealthier class. To mimic the look of Chinese porcelain, English potters created transferware. In this process, a copperplate is engraved with a design and heated. Cobalt oxide is applied to the hot engraved plate, followed by a damp tissue paper laid flat to pick up the oxide. The marked tissue is lifted off the copperplate and applied to the pottery surface. The tissue paper is then washed off, leaving the intricate blue design. While the first transferware patterns incorporated Chinese designs and motifs, eventually Victorian romantic sensibilities created a market for floral and pastoral patterns that highlighted English Culture. After the Napoleonic Wars, a large export trade to North America was established. British Staffordshire potteries such as Cauldon, Wedgwood, and Johnson Brothers capitalized upon the surge of popularity of American history leading up to the Centennial of 1876 and again during the interwar period. With patterns designed expressly for the American markets, the plates, serveware, bowls and tureens celebrated early American history with idyllic and patriotic themes. Scenes were modeled closely after iconic engravings by 19th century publishers, such as Currier and Ives, and subjects were chosen for how they reinforced Americans’ sense of national identity and pride. The beautiful wares that have survived are now avidly collected on both sides of the Atlantic. The Rowland & Marsellus Company was an importing and retailing company operating between 1892 and 1937 in New York City. The firm imported earthenware and pottery made in Staffordshire, England. They sold patterns expressly made for the American market, depicting various American cities, colleges, and historical figures. Their plates were manufactured initially by Hancock and later by Royal Fenton and others. CONDITION: Very good condition. Blue printed transferware plate. Stamped on back the diamond R&M logo and a scroll cartouche of “Washington Crossing the Delaware, December 25th 1776” with a “Staffordshire England” copyright just below the scroll. The front is very clean and color is bright, with minimal crazing. One small blue transfer stain on the back bottom rim, as issued. Dimensions: 10" Diameter. Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.