The Platter

A refined example of early 20th-century American restaurantware, this oval serving platter was produced by the Warwick China Company of Wheeling, West Virginia, between 1925 and 1945. The platter’s clean form, durable construction, and understated decoration reflect the transitional era of American ceramics—when craftsmanship met the growing demand for industrial utility.

Bearing the green underglaze “WARWICK WHEELING” mark, this piece belongs to the company’s later production period, when Warwick simplified its branding and focused on vitrified hotel and institutional china.

Design & Construction

→ Material: Heavy vitrified porcelain, fired to high temperatures for superior chip resistance—a hallmark of Warwick’s service ware.

→ Decoration: A minimalist double-line border in soft gray-blue encircles the rim, typical of American restaurantware from the interwar period. The design’s restraint speaks to the move away from ornate Victorian patterns toward modernist simplicity.

→ Form: The oval profile features a slightly recessed center well for serving entrées or sides, with raised rolled edges for strength and clean handling.

→ Marking: The backstamp, printed in green, reads “WARWICK / WHEELING”—a post-1920s mark used after the company discontinued its earlier “helmet and crossed swords” emblem, confirming production between 1925 and 1945.

Dimensions

Length: 13½"
Width: 9¾"
(Measurements within ¼ inch)

Historical Context

Founded in 1887, the Warwick China Company became one of West Virginia’s major ceramic producers, specializing in semi-porcelain and vitrified hotel china. Early pieces featured romantic and floral transfers, while later lines—such as this platter—adopted modern industrial styling suited for restaurants, railroads, and hotels.

By the 1930s–1940s, Warwick’s aesthetic aligned with the streamlined American modern movement: clean, functional, and purpose-built. This platter exemplifies that shift, bridging the decorative ideals of the early 1900s with the efficiency-driven design of the WWII era.

The company ceased operations in 1951, making this example part of Warwick’s final generation of production.

Condition

In excellent vintage condition, with a glossy glaze surface, intact border lines, and minimal utensil wear. No cracks, chips, or discoloration. The underglaze mark remains crisp and legible.

Value & Collectibility

→ Collector Market Value: $25–$40
→ Design / Styling Value: $45–$65

Pieces from Warwick’s later production period are appreciated both by collectors of American restaurantware and by interior stylists who value their industrial minimalism and culinary authenticity. Their weight, clarity, and subtle decoration make them equally suited for display or use in contemporary farmhouse and heritage kitchens.

Product Details

Why It’s Special

This platter represents the intersection of design and durability that defined America’s interwar ceramics. Produced at a time when elegance met efficiency, its restrained decoration and robust craftsmanship make it both a collectible artifact and a timelessly usable piece of design—echoing the quiet sophistication of 20th-century American dining culture