Desert Rose Oval Platter
Updated September 5, 2026
| Lot number | 154 |
| Auction | Hancock Estate Auction |
| Date | September 25, 2026 at 9:30 AM CDT |
| Auction house | Harrison Auction & Realtor |
| Location | Gracemont, Oklahoma |
FRANCISCAN DESERT ROSE OVAL SERVING PLATTER - HAND-PAINTED CALIFORNIA EARTHENWARE, MADE IN U.S.A. A generous oval serving platter in Franciscan's Desert Rose, the best-selling American dinnerware pattern ever produced. The wide scalloped rim is hand-painted with full open pink wild roses, buds, and green leaves over the pattern's molded branch-and-thorn border, finished with a dark green edge line, and the deep smooth well leaves plenty of room for a roast, turkey slices, ham, sliced tomatoes, or a cake. Small molded tab handles at each end give it the classic Desert Rose silhouette. A useful serving piece and an attractive one for hutch, plate rail, or wall display. Sold as one piece. Description Oval serving platter with scalloped, branch-molded rim, molded tab handles at both ends, and a smooth recessed oval well. Measures approximately 12-1/2" to 13" long by approximately 9-1/2" to 10" wide per the tape-measure photographs. The tape rests on the raised rim rather than flat on the table, so bidders should verify all dimensions from the photographs. Hand-painted decoration around the entire rim: pink roses with yellow centers and black stamen dots, pink buds, green leaves, and brown branch work, with the dark green glazed edge band. Marks: the reverse is clearly backstamped in brown within a dotted oval frame: Franciscan / EARTHENWARE, with MADE IN U.S.A. beneath, the number 1663, and the line OVEN SAFE / COLOR FAST. A small copyright-style symbol appears at the upper right of the frame. Attribution note Desert Rose was introduced by Gladding, McBean & Co. under the Franciscan name in 1941 and stayed in California production into the mid-1980s, after which the pattern was made overseas with England or Portugal backstamps. Replacements, Ltd. lists the U.S.-backstamp line as running roughly 1941 to 1984. The Franciscan Earthenware mark with MADE IN U.S.A. and the OVEN SAFE / COLOR FAST wording places this platter in the American-made mid-century production rather than the later imported run, which collectors generally prefer. Dating within that range is offered as the consignor's photo-based opinion and is not guaranteed. Bid on the item as pictured. Condition Used vintage condition, sold as-is. In the photographs the glaze is bright and glossy, the hand-painted roses are strong with good color, and the reverse is clean with a crisp backstamp. No chips, cracks, breaks, or repairs are visible in the photographs. The well shows the light utensil marks and faint surface scuffs normal for a serving platter of this age, and fine crazing is common on Desert Rose and may be present but is not clearly visible at this photo scale. Areas to study closely are the molded thorn points and scalloped edges of the rim, the two tab handles, and the outer foot ring on the reverse. Photos are part of the description. Notes for bidders Vintage hand-painted earthenware is best hand washed and kept out of the microwave and out of extreme temperature change
Register & bid on this lot at Bidspirit →
