Metlox Grape 14in Platter

25-Character Title Metlox Grape 14in Platter (25) Alternates: Metlox Grape Platter (20) Grape Oval Platter 14in (23) Poppytrail Grape Platter (24) HiBid DESCRIPTION LARGE METLOX POPPYTRAIL SCULPTURED GRAPE OVAL SERVING PLATTER A large vintage California earthenware oval serving platter in the Sculptured Grape pattern by Metlox Poppytrail. The scalloped, gently ruffled rim carries the pattern's wide embossed border of blue grape clusters, green and gray-green grape leaves, small yellow-gold blossom sprigs, and curling gold-brown tendrils, hand-painted over the raised relief on a warm off-white ground, with a soft olive-brown brushed line following the edge. The center is a plain oval well with a subtle raised contour rib visible on the reverse. This is the same pattern as the cup and saucer sets, plates, salad plates, shakers, creamer and sugar, and gravy and butter pieces offered separately in this sale, so bidders assembling a service should watch those lots as well. The platter shows overall fine crazing in the glaze along with gray utensil marking and general use wear across the well, and the brushed rim line is rubbed thin in places. A genuinely useful serving size for a roast, turkey, or a full platter of sides, and a strong wall or hutch display piece. Sold as a single platter. Description One large oval platter with scalloped edge and raised grape-and-leaf border in relief. Glazed earthenware, hand-painted over the embossed decoration; plain glazed white underside with a raised oval foot rib. Measures approximately 14 inches long per the tape-measure photograph and approximately 11 inches across at the widest point. The tape is laid across the platter and hooked over the edge rather than clamped in place, and the hook rests on the table in the length shot, so both figures are close estimates and bidders should verify all dimensions from the photographs. The underside carries a clear circular printed backstamp reading "POPPYTRAIL BY METLOX - MADE IN CALIFORNIA", with small faint marks flanking the word "BY" that are too indistinct to interpret, so no meaning is claimed for them. Attribution note Metlox Pottery operated in Manhattan Beach, California, founded in 1927 by T. C. Prouty and his son Willis Prouty, first producing outdoor ceramic signs and then dinnerware under the Poppytrail name from the early 1930s until the plant closed in 1989. Replacements, Ltd. catalogs this pattern as Sculptured Grape by Metlox in the Poppytrail-Vernon line, discontinued, with production running roughly from 1963 to 1986, and describes it as raised blue grapes with green leaves and vines on a white ground. Related colorways exist, including an all-white version and a pink grape version, so buyers matching an existing service should compare colors closely against the photographs. Identification and dating here are offered as the consignor's photo-based opinion and are not guaranteed. Bid on the item as pictured. Condition Used vintage condition, sold as-is. Overall fine crazing is visible in the glaze, most apparent across the plain oval well. Gray utensil scratching and general use haze are present in the center. The olive-brown brushed rim line is rubbed and thinned along portions of the scalloped edge, with bare glaze showing through in spots. Scattered faint tan and amber specks appear near the rim and on the underside. No cracks, chips, or repairs are apparent in the photographs, but the platter has not been examined under magnification and no such guarantee is made. Photos are part of the description. Notes for bidders Glazed earthenware is not dishwasher or microwave recommended; hand wash gently in warm water and dry promptly. Do not soak crazed pieces, as moisture can enter the glaze lines and stain the body. Support a piece this size from underneath when carrying it, and pad it well for transport since the scalloped rim is the most vulnerable area. Only the piece(s) pictured are included in this lot. Terms Sold as-is, where-is, with no warranty expressed or implied. All sales final. Please ask any questions before bidding. Buyer is responsible for pickup or shipping arrangements per auction terms.