This is my 1939 World’s Fair plate by The Homer Laughlin China Company. Six pottery companies joined together and built and operated a kiln at the 1939-1940 World’s Fair in New York City as a tribute to the American Potter. They produced a variety of plates, figurines, vases and bowls. The Homer Laughlin China Company entry is the plate that I own and was designed by Fredrick Rhead. In the center of the plate is the Trylon and Perisphere that were the adopted symbols of the Fair. These plates not only appeal to Homer Laughlin collectors, but also to World’s Fair and Art Deco collectors.
I love the colors and the Art Deco look of the plate. It is also Mike’s favorite piece in my collection. I rarely see these plates and got mine on eBay about 10 years ago. Once I won the auction, I was contacted by another bidder trying to buy it from me and he was willing to pay a much higher price, but I had to keep it for myself.
One nice thing I found out about my plate is that it is very rare to have the gold stamp: “Decorated by Charles Murphy, 150th Anniversary Inauguration of George Washington as First President of the United States, 1789 – 1939.” My plate has the gold stamp.
Also check out my Homer Laughlin sauce boat, ashtray, and sweets comport.
