The Smart Collector

June 13, 2004|By Danielle Arnet

Q. I inherited a collection of little butter pat plates. I'd like to know more about them, their history, etc. Is there a club for collectors? -- Darla, New York City

A. Back in the days before cholesterol was a nasty word and dairy fats were considered a food group, butter belonged on every table. In those days, butter was made at home; in fancier homes, servants formed individual portions into molded shapes such as roses or monograms, etc.

In Victorian times, when more on every table was better, a well-dressed table involved a bewildering array of china and utensils. Every food had a designated service piece, including butter. Hence the miniature plates, about 3 inches in diameter, that held decorative butter portions. Called butter pats, chips or pads, the mini-plates came with every full table service. Others were produced independently, as majolica, or with flow blue or Quimper patterns, as portrait plates, or as shaped oddities.

Today, butter pats are an anachronism, replaced by the bread and butter plate. Pats are collector favorites because they are small and easy to display, and because they come in such variety and are inexpensive.

Their downside is that they are often confused for children's toy plates, and they must be washed by hand. Dishwashers cannot handle such small dishes. Pats are used today on first-class international meal service flights. Some premium china companies still include pats with every service.

Because of their variety, pat collectors can have it their way. Some collectors want Victorian era relics, others go for pats with hotel, restaurant, steamship, airline or railroad logos. Logo pats are also crossover collectibles. Many collectible pats can be bought for under $40.

Collector Mary Dessoie hosts the International Butter Pat Museum and Club. Reach her at 265 Eagle Bend Dr., Big Fork, MT 59911.

Q. I bought a framed picture called "The School Boy." It's signed, "Anker." Under the artist's signature are three letters. I'm sure it's a repro, but how can I tell its age? -- Long Beach, Calif., cybercollector

A. You've done some research, I see. Knowing that the artist was Swiss, you probably also know that Albert Anker lived from 1831 to 1910, and that he specialized in portrait paintings of children.

You know that the piece is a repro because Anker's art has been and still is widely reproduced, from hand-painted copies to digital posters. Where/how did you buy it, and did you ask about it at the time?

Start dating the piece by inspecting the medium. If a magnifying glass or loupe reveals pinpoint dots of color, you have a recent mechanical print.

More recent repros are digital, and they are very good. The frame, if original to the piece, -- and that's a very big if -- may provide another clue. The mounting method and backing used are other clues.

If having it dated is a must, a local art or prints dealer can help. Prepare to pay for the service. I say enjoy it for what it is. You know it's not an original. Knowing its age will not enhance its value.


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