Classic American restaurant ware with a striking traditional Willow design, this vintage Sterling China Red Willow oval serving platter was made in Wellsville, Ohio, USA. The platter features an intricate deep burgundy/red transferware design against an ivory-white china body. The central scene is filled with traditional Asian-inspired imagery, including pagodas, architectural structures, stylized trees, birds, a boat, fencing and landscape elements, surrounded by an elaborate geometric and floral border.
The underside carries the desirable Sterling China – Wellsville, OH – U.S.A. backstamp along with the Union Made mark. The visible C6 date code corresponds to early 1961, giving this piece a nicely identifiable production period.
Sterling China was well known for producing substantial commercial china for restaurants, hotels and institutions. At approximately 1 lb 9.7 oz, this platter has the heavier, durable feel associated with vintage restaurant ware.
Its oval size makes it useful as a small serving platter for meats, vegetables, appetizers or side dishes, while the detailed Red Willow decoration also makes it an attractive display piece for collectors of vintage restaurant china, Willow patterns and American-made dinnerware.
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Condition -
Very good vintage condition for its age. No chips, cracks or repairs. There is light surface wear consistent with age and previous use. The red transfer decoration remains crisp, detailed and visually striking; however, a few small dark/black marks or transfer/firing imperfections are present within the decorated surface and do not clean off (See last 2 photos). There are also a few minor marks on the underside. These appear consistent with vintage manufacturing and use rather than loose surface residue.