The Piece
A classic mid-century Royal China “Colonial Homestead” oval serving platter (Sebring, Ohio), finished in warm ivory with scalloped rim grips and hand-applied gilt flourishes at the terminals. The creamy glaze shows a beautiful field of allover crazing and tea-toned patina—exactly the kind of honest age that turns utilitarian stoneware into display-worthy décor. Equally at home on a farmhouse table or styled upright on a shelf, it delivers history and warmth in one generous form.
Design & Construction
→ Form & Style:
Broad oval well with subtle cavetto, scalloped rim notches for handling, and restrained line bands circling the interior. Black-and-gold foliate scrolls accent the “grips,” a mid-century interpretation of Colonial-era ornament that Royal China popularized in the 1950s.
→ Material:
Dense ironstone/stoneware body with glossy ivory glaze. The surface exhibits uniform crazing—stable and desirable to many collectors for its depth and character.
→ Mark:
Underside printed in green: “Colonial Homestead by Royal – Pat. Pend. – circa 1750–”—Royal China’s branding that references Colonial inspirations while denoting their own mid-century production.
Dimensions
Length: 13.75"
Width: 10.25"
Height: 1.25"
(Measurements within ¼".)
History & Provenance
Founded in Sebring, Ohio, Royal China Co. became one of America’s largest dinnerware producers after WWII. The Colonial Homestead line translated 18th-century motifs for modern households, pairing sturdy ironstone bodies with approachable, decorative details. Platters like this were everyday workhorses—holiday turkey, Sunday roast—yet were designed to look handsome on a sideboard between uses.
Condition
Good vintage condition with rich, even crazing and characteristic tea-toning across the face. Expected utensil marks and gentle rub/loss to the gilt at the grips; no active cracks or structural instability observed. Clean, display-ready.
Product Details
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Maker | Royal China Co. |
| Pattern | Colonial Homestead |
| Origin | Sebring, Ohio, USA |
| Year | c. 1950s |
| Material | Glazed ironstone/stoneware |
| Color | Ivory with black & gold accents |
| Condition | Good vintage; uniform crazing, toned glaze, light gilt wear |
| Dimensions | 13.75” L × 10.25” W × 1.25” H |
Why It Belongs in Your Home
This platter brings soul and story to a table or display—substantial in hand, quietly decorative, and richly patinated. Style it upright on an easel, layer it into an open-shelf vignette with ironstone and wood, or press it back into service for breads, fruit, or seasonal centerpieces. It’s the kind of authentic mid-century American tableware that adds warmth to any room while earning its keep at mealtime.