This is a vintage Vernon Kilns "Personalities" series collector plate featuring Mark Twain. Produced by the famous California-based pottery company, this specific transferware design was manufactured around the mid-20th century (circa 1940s–1950s).
Design & Features
Center Portrait: A detailed sketch of Mark Twain accompanied by a replica of his signature ("Yours Truly, Mark Twain").
Historical Highlights: The surrounding vignettes illustrate iconic landmarks from Hannibal, Missouri, including The Mark Twain Memorial Bridge, The Becky Thatcher House, The Mark Twain Boyhood Home, The Tom and Huck Statue, and the Mark Twain Cave.
Art Style: Features a distinctive brown/sepia transfer outline accented with hand-painted or tinted blue sky detailing under an ivy leaf border.
Dimensions: Measuring tape reveals a diameter of roughly 10¼ inches, which aligns with Vernon Kilns' standard size for this collection.
The back of a vintage commemorative collector plate details the history of Mark Twain in Hannibal, Missouri.
Plate Details
Subject: Mark Twain's boyhood in Hannibal, Missouri, and his literary inspirations.
Features: Brown sepia text on white porcelain with a gold-tone "Product of USA" foil sticker.
Manufacturer: Likely produced by Vernon Kilns
The current market value for this specific vintage Vernon Kilns Mark Twain collector plate ranges from $10.00 to $40.00 USD, depending on the color variation, artist signature, and condition:
Online Marketplaces (eBay/Etsy): Excellent condition plates frequently sell between $10.00 and $20.00 USD. For instance, a vintage sepia-brown version listed on eBay sits at $17.50, while similar pieces on Etsy list for $9.49.
Specialty / Replacement Retailers: Premium replacement sites like Replacements, Ltd. price this specific "Personalities" edition at $39.99.
Premium Variants: Rarer variations featuring unique color glazes (like the blue "Ultra" shape version signed by artist Erik H. Sederling) trend slightly higher, fetching around $30.00 USD on eBay.