Trying to find what this mark mean and era

I have a set of these half moon little dishes. I have no idea what they're called and the numbers in the center vary from 77 to 98, but the dishes are the same.
Could use the guidance of your wisdom please.
What are these dishes called?
What does the stamp mean and what era?

 

they could sit on a ladies dresser for her hair pins and what nots..

if it's not 32 inches wide that is..........

 

Hie
I believe they are bone dishes.
My guess 70-80s
Mass produced

 

My thoughts as well Matt..............

 

I agree, a bone dish.

 

Hi,
Depends on the size. If less than 7" they are indeed bone dishes, If larger than 7" they are salad plates that laid next to the dinner plate.
greg

 

They are less than 7", so by bone you mean at the dinner table bones? Is this mark and export company? If not, do you have any idea what company. I'm googly eyed looking at marks....lol I try to be as accurate as possible when I sell. Haven't come across this mark before.

 

Do you know if they came as a set of china? Do you know who the maker is? I try to be as accurate as possible when I sell.

 

Since the numbers are the only marking that varies, I propose that the stamp is that of the "decorator" who painted on the gold embellishments. Each decorator was assigned a "piece mark" by which they got paid. There is no mark for the manufacturer of the "blank" and no name for the decoration company, so the most accurate thing you can say in your listing is that they were imported from Germany and let it go at that.

 

That is so helpful...thank you for helping me learn somethings new. I'm so grateful!