Collecting Fish Plates
Coalport Fish plates set of 5
Victorian Elegance on the Table: Coalport’s Hand-Painted Fish Plates
There’s something captivating about antique porcelain that tells a story—not just of craftsmanship, but of the times in which it was created. Among the treasures of 19th-century English porcelain, Coalport’s hand-painted fish plates stand out as both works of art and conversation pieces.
Coalport: A Legacy of Fine Porcelain
Founded in Shropshire in the late 18th century, Coalport Porcelain quickly earned a reputation for elegant tablewares with distinctive borders, intricate moldings, and richly painted designs. By the late Victorian era, the factory was producing elaborate dinner and dessert services that graced the homes of England’s gentry.
The Rise of the Fish Plate
In the 1880s and 1890s, fish services became fashionable in both England and America. Wealthy households ordered complete sets—platters and matching plates—often hand-painted with freshwater or marine species. These weren’t everyday dishes; they were cabinet plates, meant to impress guests and display the host’s refinement.
Coalport was one of the leading makers of these luxury services, and their fish plates remain among the most sought after today.
A Closer Look at This Set
The plates pictured here are a beautiful example of Coalport’s artistry:
Date: Circa 1890 (Registered Design No. 132242, dating to 1889)
Design: Each plate features a different fish in a naturalistic setting—a nod to the Victorian passion for nature and scientific illustration.
Borders: A wide sunny yellow border, finished with raised white shell and scroll cartouches touched in gilt. The combination of color and relief molding gives the plates a sense of depth and luxury.
Hand-Painted: Every fish scene is individually hand-painted, making no two plates exactly alike.
These plates are as much miniature paintings as they are pieces of porcelain.
Collecting Coalport Fish Plates
Collectors prize Coalport fish plates for their artistry, rarity, and versatility. They work beautifully as display pieces in china cabinets or hung on walls, but they can also be incorporated into modern dining for an eclectic, elegant table.
Rarity: Sets often survive incomplete, making groups of matching plates especially desirable.
Value: Individual plates can sell from $100–$200 each; larger services can command far more.
Charm: No two sets are alike—each reflects the hand of the artist.
Why They Still Matter Today
More than 130 years after they were first produced, these Coalport fish plates remain conversation starters. They embody the Victorian blend of science, art, and luxury dining—reminding us of a time when the dinner table was a stage for elegance.
For collectors of English porcelain, nature-inspired antiques, or simply those who love the unusual and beautiful, they are a timeless treasure.
✨ At Fine Vintage Treasures, we love sharing the stories behind the antiques we offer. Each piece connects us to history, craftsmanship, and the enduring beauty of porcelain.