RS Prussia Cake Plate

R.S. PRUSSIA MARKED HANDLED CAKE PLATE WITH ROSES, SATIN FINISH, APPROX 10 1/2 IN - WITH DISPLAY STAND Porcelain two-handled cake plate in an ornate molded blank: deeply scalloped and fluted rim, pierced open handles at each side, a low molded bead cluster at each scallop point, and a satin, non-glossy surface. The decoration is a large rose spray in pink, apricot, and cream with soft grey-green foliage, over an airbrushed blush and pale green ground. Under magnification the flowers and leaves resolve into a fine dot screen, which indicates transfer-printed decoration rather than brushwork. The underside carries a printed rust-red mark inside the center foot ring reading "R.S." above a wreath with "Prussia" below and a small star at the left. Flaws include dark brown specking and grime lodged in the molded bead clusters around the rim, brown flecking and staining on the back foot ring with wear to the thin gilt line, and light overall surface scuffing. No maker mark appears on the plate other than the wreath mark described. Included with the plate is a white and gold-trimmed folding display stand, impressed on the underside "C - 11" / "MADE IN TAIWAN". Sold as a lot of two pieces: the plate and the stand. Description Form: round two-handled cake plate or serving tray, scalloped fluted rim, pierced side handles, recessed center foot ring; plus a folding four-foot display easel Construction/Finish: porcelain with satin matte surface, transfer-printed rose decoration, airbrushed blush ground, thin gilt line on the reverse; stand is molded plastic in cream with gold-painted edges Marks: plate - printed rust-red "R.S." over a wreath with "Prussia" beneath and a star at the left, inside the center foot ring, and no other mark; stand - impressed "C - 11" and "MADE IN TAIWAN" Size: plate approximately 10 1/2 in across the handles and approximately 10 in front to back; stand approximately 10 1/2 in tall with a footprint approximately 7 in deep, per the tape-measure photographs; treat these as close approximations Attribution note The mark corresponds to the wreath-and-star device used by Reinhold Schlegelmilch, whose porcelain carried R.S. initials from the late nineteenth century onward, with the red R.S. Prussia mark the best known form and generally dated by reference sources to roughly the 1880s through the First World War era. Bidders should know that this is one of the most heavily copied marks in American antiques. Real or Repro reports that the R.S. Prussia mark has been forged and copied since the late 1960s, and both Real or Repro and the R.S. Prussia collector newsletters state that authenticity requires agreement of mark, mold, and decoration together, that authentic marks are usually under the glaze, subdued in color, and smooth to the fingertip, while forged marks often sit above the glaze, feel like a decal, and print in vivid, cartoon-like outline. They also note that authentic pieces tend to be thin, light, and translucent, while copies tend to be thick and heavy with modern-looking decals. Those checks cannot be performed from photographs, so this piece is offered as marked and not as authenticated. Any maker, period, or authenticity comments are offered as the consignor's photo-based opinion and are not guaranteed. Bid on the item(s) as pictured. Notes for bidders Satin-finish porcelain and thin gilt lines are easily damaged. Hand wash in lukewarm water with a soft cloth only - no dishwasher, no bleach, no abrasive pads, and no scouring at the bead clusters, since aggressive cleaning there will lift the applied color along with the grime. Do not microwave a piece with gilt trim. Support the body with both hands rather than lifting by the pierced handles, which are the common break point on this form. Bidders concerned with authenticity should plan to inspect the mark by touch and under a black light in person during preview. Only the item(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.