Edwardian Bone China Tall Ships Plate Set – France II & Herzogin Cecilie – P.A.

Condition: Used

Condition Notes: Good condition overall.Surface and edges clean, no cracks or chips observed.Minor shelf wear and small scratches visible in rim areas under close inspection.Gold trim remains mostly intact.Colors vibrant and detailed on both plates.

Brand: Edwardian Bone

Type: Collector Plate

Shape: Round

Era: Late 20th Century (1970-1999)

Material: Bone China

Production Style: Art Pottery

Production Technique: Pottery

Culture: English

Colour: Multicoloured

Vintage: Yes

Country of Origin: United Kingdom

This is a beautifully illustrated set of two collectible decorative plates from Edwardian Fine Bone China, each featuring a historic tall ship: the France II and the Herzogin Cecilie. Both pieces showcase vibrant maritime artwork by P.A. Bate, bordered with elegant gold rims and detailed historical text on the reverse.

These plates pay tribute to two of the most legendary sailing ships of the early 20th century, capturing their grandeur and seafaring legacy in vivid color.

Product Details:

• Brand: Edwardian Fine Bone China

• Artist: P.A. Bate

• Plate Diameter: Approx. 8 inches (20 cm)

• Material: Fine Bone China

• Type: Decorative Wall Plates (no hanging wire or plate stand included)

• Features: Gold rim, printed ship histories on back

• Ships Featured:

  1. France II (1911) – The largest sailing ship ever built at 5,633 tons, used in the nickel trade with New Caledonia. Lost in 1922.

  2. Herzogin Cecilie (1902) – Fourmasted barque and officer training ship, famed for winning grain races. Wrecked off Devon in 1936.

Design Highlights:

• Striking fullcolor paintings of the ships at sea, signed by P.A. Bate

• Realistic maritime detail, with sky, sea, and rigging rendered with care

• Informative printed histories on reverse of each plate

Condition:
Good condition overall.

• Surface and edges clean, no cracks or chips observed.

• Minor shelf wear and small scratches visible in rim areas under close inspection.

• Gold trim remains mostly intact.

• Colors vibrant and detailed on both plates.

Historical Significance:

• France II was a steel fivemasted barque built in Bordeaux in 1911, known for her massive size and modern onboard technologies for the time, including electric lighting and oil engines.

• Herzogin Cecilie was built in Germany in 1902 and became a renowned cargo and training vessel, with a notable postwar career under the famous Gustaf Erikson fleet. Her dramatic wreck off the English coast marked the end of an era in tall ship sailing.