Fabulous 18th Century Pewter Plate Signed John Osbourne Start Price USD 119.95 Current Price USD 122.45 Time Left - Bid Count 2 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Saturday, July 19, 2008 End Time Tuesday, July 29, 2008 Location Washington, District Of Columbia See more about 'Fabulous 18th Century Pewter Plate Signed John Osbourne' Description For sale in this auction is a very rare and outstanding eighteenth century pewter plate made and signed by John Osborne who worked in London and who achieved the status of yeoman in 1785.  This rare and fine plate measures 9-1/2 inches in diameter and 3/4 inch deep.  On the reverse are two Crowned X symbols which are adjacent to the series of four pseudo hallmarks know to be those used by John Osborne.  The partially eroded pseudo hallmarks consist of four shields containing: 1) I.O., 2) an anchor, 3) a buckle, and 4) a standing lion.  Across from the quality marks and the pseudo hallmarks are the touchmarks of John Osborne.  The first being a prancing lion carrying a tree or a branch under a columned arch with JOHN (IOHN) across the arch and OSBORNE across the bottom.  Just beneath the columned arch with the lion is a second touchmark which consists of two adjoining banners with I.OSBORNE across the first and IN LONDON across the second.  The crowned X's are a symbol of assumed quality of materials and workmanship.  The plate has a plain flat 1-1/4 inch rim with a turned under edge, and it has a rather shallow bowl of about 3/8 inch.  The booge or curved portion of the bowl is hand hammered and shows very clear hammer marks in photo #7.  The entire plate maintains a very even and consistent patina of a medium lustrous silvery gray.  This well-marked and well-preserved eighteenth century antique tells its own story, and given its superb condition, it is not likely to diminish in value nor in utility for two or more centuries into the future.  Thank you for visiting my auctions, and good luck to you in all your bidding.  bdr Place a Bid!