This black on white earthenware plate depicts six Declaration signers in-between notable Revolution scenes. It was produced by Wood & Sons, English ceramic producers.

This appears to be the only style of plate produced by Wood & Sons specifically for the US Bicentennial. But they also had a Carolinas Bicentennial plate for the same years 1776-1976.

Plate diameter: 10″

History, links, and additional info:

Available resources about the history of the manufacturer and/or origin and the item.

There is some conflicting information on exactly which “Wood & Sons” made this plate.

Enoch Wood & Sons plates primarily come from early 19th century. Over the years, various outfits have operated that factory, but the name supposedly ceased in 1845.¹ This plate seems consistent with the type of “transfer-printed” items they produced, but does not have the Enoch or E. designation which those plates had. It’s safe to say this plate was not produced by that company, despite claims of some online sellers.

Another English Wood & Sons popped up in the late 1800’s. That company manufactured ceramic plates for about 130 years until 1995 (or 2007, depending on which history you read). Most of the examples of their work do not match this plate, but the mark is generally consistent with items the produced from the 1960’s onward, particularly the “potters for 200 years” part.²

1. Patriotic America, “Enoch Wood & Sons“
2. Local History of Stoke-on-Trent, England, “North Staffordshire Pottery Marks“