Turkey Platters and Thanksgiving Dinnerware

COLLECTIBLES EXCLUSIVELY FOR RANDOLPH STREET MARKET BY NENA IVON, nenasnotes

In 1863 President Lincoln proclaimed the fourth Thursday of November the nation’s official Thanksgiving Day. By the 1870s, America’s middle class celebrated the occasion with fine Thanksgiving china and turned to the English for delectable transferware patterns depicting the holiday’s bird of choice, the turkey — and their popularity continues to this day. At the time UK was having economic difficulties and knew the States gobbled up (pun intended) their special transferware so why not do stunning platters to celebrate this annual tradition.

Norman Rockwell’s “Freedom From Want” 1943. You can be sure this iconic painting’s star of the feast is presented on a treasured turkey platter.

What perfect timing to add to or start your collection, check out Randolph Street Market on November 23+24 and December 14+15 from 10 to 5 each day. Look for vintage Spode, Wedgwood, Johnson Bros., Staffordshire, and others. As always, when collecting anything authentic, check labels, bottom of China, etc. and engage each dealer in conversation and absorb their expertise, alone worth the trip. In addition, don’t limit your search of “time specific” items to that month seek out treasures year round.

Turkey Platters and Thanksgiving Dinnerware

I thought it would be appropriate to continue our transferware journey with this fun collectible. Lots and lots of colors and styles many newer pieces are not transferware at all. Let’s look at some pieces and, of course, how they can be used in decor.

Turkey Platters and Thanksgiving Dinnerware