Absolutely Fantastic Rare Collector’s Vintage (1976) American Fitz & Floyd Designer Glazed Pottery Shell Dish (12”/30cm).

Marvellous item. Highly Collectible. Please browse all 12 sets of photographs attached for size, weight and condition as they are self explanatory. This item is not new. About 50 years old. Fantastic iconic shape from the 1970s that is certain to be sought after and stand the test of time in terms of its breathtaking design.

This dish has never been used and has only ever been a cabinet display item. Condition is almost perfect. There are no chips nor cracks nor crazing whatsoever although some 20 years ago, during our house move, it did suffer a very minor small knock on the outer rim which I had professionally restored at the time. It is not at all noticeable unless you look very meticulously for it. Please browse the last two photographs in this regard.

The Roman date at the base of this item is MCMLXXVI which equates to 1976.

Pat Fitzpatrick and Bob Floyd began Fitz & Floyd in 1960 importing products and creating ceramic work. In the 1970's their technique for beautifully hand painted ceramics emerged along with dedicated following of clients. Their collections are world renowned, continuously growing and are centered around specific themes, such as Christmas and Easter.

Fitz and Floyd collectibles are known for their intricate, imaginative designs that vary from humorous to elegant pieces. The company's products are so popular that the city of Dallas commissioned Fitz and Floyd to make a one-of-a-kind tea service for Queen Elizabeth as a gift during her 1991 visit.

Although Fitz and Floyd items have been popular with collectors since the range first became available, special editions and limited production collector's items were first produced in 1990. The product lines created by Fitz and Floyd are numerous and highly sought after and collectible.

For half a century, the Fitz and Floyd hallmark has become synonymous with excellence in design, quality and style. From style-conscious homes to corporate boardrooms and royal palaces, the Fitz and Floyd look is easily recognized throughout America and much of the world.

Over the past 50 years, Fitz and Floyd has evolved into the undisputed leader in the design and manufacture of hand-painted ceramic giftware, dinnerware, tableware, decorative accessories and collectibles. From the drawing board to the sculpting wheel and the kiln, all Fitz and Floyd products are distinctly designed and hand-crafted by skilled Fitz and Floyd artisans. From its renowned US Studios, the Fitz and Floyd design team creates the company's exclusive designs - nearly 500 new and unique designs each year. Each and every Fitz and Floyd product receives the same discerning attention to meticulous craftsmanship and exquisite detail.

Fitz and Floyd – often elegant, sometimes whimsical are always prized and treasured gifts.

Founded by Pat Fitzpatrick and Bob Floyd in Dallas in 1960, the ceramics company that bears their names started out as an import company. It soon expanded into creating and designing ceramic giftware, and Fitz and Floyd moved into tabletop products and accessories like candlesticks, plates, and teapots later in the 1960s.

The company’s hand-painted ceramic gift lines were developed in the 1970s, and the reputation of Fitz and Floyd grew due to the quality of its work and the creative pieces for which the company became known. The company’s in-house design staff developed themes around which entire collections were built. Among their most popular creations were their animal-themed teapots and their pots de creme cups and tea sets.