Flow Blue Plates

Q: My sisters and I recently inherited seven flow blue plates from my mother. The plates depict historical events and are marked with the name of the scene, “Staffordshire, England,” and “R&M Co.” inside a diamond. Some of the titles are “Ride of Paul Revere, April 18, 1775,” “Battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775,” and “Washington Prayer at Valley Forge, 1777.” Can you give us some information about these plates along with estimated value?

A: The “R&M Co.” mark on your plates was used by Rowland and Marsellus, an American importing company in New York City. The company was in business from c.1893 to 1938 and used this mark from c.1893 to 1900. Rowland & Marsellus is best known for its souvenir wares and many American views were made. Plates like yours sell for about $45 each.