This column first appeared in November 2011.
Long before the advent of the Happy Meal, before you could super-size, even before the drive-through (there was a time before the drive through?), there was a deal to be had at the local eatery, and it was called the “Blue Plate Special.”
From the early 1920s through the latter part of the 1950s, the local diner was the gathering place for the common man looking for a fast, affordable meal. Diners across America offered “a meat and three,” meaning a meat dish and three vegetables, for 25 cents. This meal, which changed daily, was served on a divided plate, that was most often blue, and hence it became known as the “blue plate special.”
So why a blue plate? First let me clarify that the plate was not a solid blue, but rather a white and blue pattern know as Willow. It was a variation on the popular Willow pattern offered on fine English china. While a number of theories exist as to why these “blue” plates were used, one highly accepted explanation is that by offering the special meal of the day on china that replicated fine china, everyone could enjoy a little luxury at an affordable price. A more practical explanation may be that Blue Willow plates were very inexpensive to produce.
By definition the grill plate is “a dinner plate divided in half, with the top half being divided again, reducing it’s section to equal on fourth of the plate.” This design was later used for the TV dinner tray. These plates grew in popularity in the 1930s, being produced in a wide range of colors and styles, ranging from stark white stoneware to a rainbow of colors and patterns in what we commonly call Depression Glass.
Grill plates from the first half of the 20th century are a little piece of nostalgia that are growing in popularity as a collectible. Depression Glass plates from Hazel Atlas, Anchor Hocking, and Federal Glass Company are available in a multitude of patterns. The china plates from the Hall and Buffalo China Companies are also of interest. Perhaps the best examples of the original Blue Willow grills are found in the efforts of the Spode and Staffordshire Companies of England and the Moriyama China Company of Japan. Note that Moriyama grills are available with two markings, “Moriyama Made In Occupied Japan” and the older plates marked only “Moriyama Made in Japan.”
I often receive e-mails from those of you who are looking for something new to collect that won’t break the bank. Grill plates may be your answer. Stacks of plates still surface at estate sales and auctions, and individual finds are not uncommon at garage sales and flea markets. For those of you who prefer online shopping to acquire your collectibles, eBay abounds with grill plate auctions.
Prices range from $20-$45 for fine Staffordshire or Moriyama pieces, Depression grill plates average in the $18-$30 range, and unmarked plates may often be had for as little as $15. As always, inspect each piece carefully. These plates were often exposed to heavy use and discoloration, chips, and stress cracks may be present that will greatly reduce their value. Until next time . . . Linda
Linda Kennett may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com