Crown Ducal Chintz Plate

Q: I inherited a plate from my aunt, who was an antiques dealer in the 1940s and ’50s. The plate is octagonal and has an allover chintz pattern of flowers, leaves and berries. The bottom of the plate has a printed mark with a crown over the words “Crown Ducal Ware, England.” Can you tell me how old the plate is? Is it valuable?

A: The trade name “Crown Ducal” was first used in 1916 by A.G. Richardson and Co. of Tunstall, England. The mark on your plate was used beginning in about 1925. The company began working in Tunstall in 1915 and in nearby Cobridge in 1934. A.G. Richardson was bought by Wedgwood in 1974. Chintz-pattern dishes have fallen in price in the past few years. Your plate is worth about $50.