Anyone know anything about old china? This piece has been in my family for more than 200 years. There are no markings at all on the back of it. The painted design has smudge marks. Someone in my family had written a history about the platter for a local fair... I guess they wrote it like the platter was talking?
" For the Village Fair
Landrum, S.C. Oct. 31st 1913
See me, believe me, consider me.
I am in the hands of the Sixth Generation.
I am 200 years old.
I am of English Design, and came from
the Old Country in 1713.
My name is Boatman Lee.
My first home after reaching the New World
was Cedar Bluff, Union County, S.C.
I am a resident of the growing city of Landrum
of which I am Justly Proud.
R. M. Lee
(Rebecca Mildred , Mrs. Marion Sylvester Lee)"
A handwritten note at the bottom of the crumbling page says...
"My new home is with Melvin Early Lawson and Ethel Antho Swindler Lawson, Stanley Street, Maryville, Tenn. I was brought here by Mrs. Vic Heavener May 24, 1913. This is to be kept in our OWN family."
The platter was passed from my grandparents, Melvin and Ethel Lawson (whose mother was a Lee), on to my Daddy, and then to me. I wish I knew more about it. If the written history is true, I guess the platter is 300 years old. One of the projects on my bucket list is to work on a family history... I understand that Robert E. Lee is one of my ancestors. Maybe he ate turkey off this platter! :)
@traceyhn Thanks, Tracey... a much longer commentary than I usually write but thought that someone might know something. Hope I can make it to an antique appraiser who would know something of the history... I doubt it has any value, just old. But it is neat to think it has been in one family for so long without getting chipped, cracked or broken!
How incredibly fascinating, the known history behind this platter. There are so many things I wish had notes attached to them so more could be known about where they've been, what they've been used for. I like your imaginative thought about Gen. Lee and this platter.
The fav you bestowed upon my Peppermint picture, I appreciate it greatly!
That is wonderful! I would also love to research my family history. How wonderful that you have something that has been in your family for so long! Great shot to commemorate it!
What a treasure!!! Go the www.replacements.com and they'll tell you how to send/e-mail a photo, etc. and give you more info. I've done that with a lot of my collectibles handed down to me.
The fav you bestowed upon my Peppermint picture, I appreciate it greatly!