Majolica object

It was made by M O N T E R E A U - L M & C or Lebeuf Milliet & Cie at Montereau, which is (or was) a French faience company. I've looked at some ebay listings and some items that have the same mark are said to be from the third quarter of the 19th century. Is there a way to know the precise years?

My second question involves the purpose or function of the piece. What is it? It has no hanging mechanism, so how are you supposed to display it if it's a decorative plaque?

The diameter of it is around 6 inches.
My guess is the value is not much. I paid next to nothing for it the other week but what do you think?

 

Hi,
Before I am lambasted for using plate hangers. I overstretch the wires so the plate can move inside the hangers. I slip aquarium tubing over the metal holders. Since there is NO pressure from the hangers and the feet are soft from the tubing I have no problems using plate hangers.
greg

 

This is the only item I've found so far that looks at all similar in style:

https://m.ebay.com/itm/Lebeuf-Milli...nch-Pottery-JEWELRY-BOX-Faience-/172747063851

Could my decorative plate actually be a lid to a jar or a box, minus the hardware?

 

Well, I don't think it's majolica, and I don't really think it's a lid, because I wouldn't expect the lid to be marked, but.... You could also display it on a plate stand instead of the wall, or get it framed.

 

I agree with janetpjohn - I don't think majolica or a lid. I would have scooped this up too. I've run across these little pieces before although not by this maker. I assumed they were paperweights although yours is a bit large for that. Depending on how high the raised decoration is, I suppose it could be used as a hot plate for tureens or platters. It would like nice sitting in the middle of buffet when not in use. There is no way to pin the date down further unless an original catalog somehow turns up.
Don

 

I'd probably call it Majolica. Why not? Tin glazed earthenware, though I'm not seeing anything to indicate the nature of the underlying ceramic. Is it made to hang? That broad border leaves plenty of room for this to be incorporated into a frame work. Maybe a mantel decoration.

 

The pattern is quite three-dimensional which limits or rules out any practical ways to use it.

 

Ditto, me too, me also, I do the same.............but since I worry about just about EVERYTHING (braces AND a belt), I take it a step further and use packing tape to secure the wires to the back of the plate as well................

 

There are sconces that have ceramic plaques made by the same company. Here's an example and I also saw another pair on google earlier that had round ceramic parts
https://www.1stdibs.com/amp/furnitu...ontereau-french-ceramic-sconces/id-f_6717203/

So maybe it could be a salvaged sconce part?

As for the material, well, the company was known for faience. And it's a colourful glaze over a blank ceramic base. I can never even remember the difference between "true" majolica and colourful glaze ceramics.

 

My thoughts were the same as More's.
Fireplace tile.
However, considering the other items you have found (box, wall sconce); any company could have ordered tiles for what ever purpose.

Wonder if the metal company for the box and sconces were the same.

Lovely item.

 

I guess that makes sense. I thought the backside of tiles was never glazed though?

 

Hmm, you might be right. It wouldn't make sense to glaze something that is going to be hidden in a wall. Waste of materials and added expense. I hadn't thought of that.

Sorry, it was just my first reaction.

 

If anything I didn't mention the glazed backside in my original post, so a fireplace tile could've been logical.

I was wondering whether the pattern is any indication of its use? It seems pretty regular and purely decorative except maybe for the two cherub heads, the star above them and the things underneath.
Could it be symbolism of any particular theme?

 

Just saying, majolica has to have a white undercoat, then a tin glaze, and I can't tell if there's an undercoat here or just white pottery.