Question: I bought a box of dinnerware at an auction yesterday and noticed one of the plates had the date "Aug 12 1946" stamped in the back, seemed unusual to us. Just curious if you know something about it and if this is a keeper or not.

Thanks for your help!

Answer: Your dated plate is interesting but not rare. Pieces with dates in the 1940s are fairly common. The purpose of the date is uncertain but most likely was used in the production process to note a specific lot or batch. Cups, saucers and smaller plates were the items most frequently marked with a date. A dated plate would have a value somewhat higher than an undated plate, perhaps an extra 25 to 50%.

Larry