Anyone have any ideas?

[Paper Roses]

I work at a charity thrift shop and have been assigned to research anything that may be
more than the ordinary thrift shop household donations.

Last week we were given 6 hand painted miniature plates. These plated have an 'A' support attached to the back, these supports are in the making. The same porcelain as the little plates themselves. They are about 3 3/4 inches in diameter, beautifully painted in a floral design. Signed only "Made in France for Richard Norton Inc'.

I have tried to look them up but Richard Norton Inc seems to me a high end antique cooperative.
Perhaps I have missed the proper link.

Since we have one a case with better than average goods, I thought these 6 plates would look great.
I have no idea how to price them. We never put high prices on anything but these miniature plates, with this attribution, must be worth at least $ 5.00 each, perhaps a little more.
Wish I could be more specific but they are a puzzle to me. Any ideas?

[libodem]

1. I have no idea

I love that kind of stuff tho, and have a house full of it. I'm not good at the research part. I just collect what strikes my fancy. My friend who does eBay often looks up items she finds to see what they have previously gone for so she can know how to price it or if it is even worth listing. Good luck. They sound lovely!!!

[brer cat]

2. It very well could be the Richard Norton Galleries

at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. It was common for some retailers to commission china and other items made exclusively for them. I have seen many items that were made and imported for Neiman Marcus, Marshall Field, etc.

Without seeing them, I would be largely guessing, but I think 5 each would have to be reasonable and maybe you can go a bit higher. People don't come into thrift shops expecting retail antique-shop prices, but hand-painted plates for 5 or 6 is not a lot. In this day of everything seeming to be made in China, people are thrilled to find something European.

Good luck with them. I am glad to see that you are making an effort to identify the good stuff and not sell it for a quarter.

[JCMach1]

3. Collectible plates sell well in the $7-12 range depending on rarity

and subject matter...


<--antique and vintage store owner...