A rare find, this childs nursery rhyme plate has a rich, chocolate brown transfer with a 3 color polychrome (red, blue, green) hand painting and one of Ben Franklins, or Poor Richards, most famous maxims.  It is a brown sponge/spatter ware depicting an elderly man with his hat tipped towards a young couple passing by, asking for money, as he apparently hadn't taken heed to saving while he was young.  It is trimmed with a painted green rim.  It features a unique, press molded rim with wheat, a poppy and bluebells.  It is in excellent condition for its age.

In 1757, Benjamin Franklin published "The Way To Wealth", a basic summary of his 25 year “Poor Richards' Almanac.” In "The Way To Wealth", Honorable Mr. Franklin states the following:

"Then since, as he says, the borrower is a slave to the lender, and the debtor to the creditor, disdain the chain, preserve your freedom; and maintain your independency: be industrious and free; be frugal and free. At present, perhaps, you may think yourself in thriving circumstances, and that you can bear a little extravagance without injury; but, For age and want, save while you may; No morning sun lasts a whole day..."  

Childrens nursery rhyme plates were given as gifts to children as rewards for good behaviour.  They were also used to encourage morality and as educational aids throughout the early to mid 19th century. The maxim on this plate was commonly requoted and used in many turn of the century manuals, including banks and parishes as a heed to save while you are young.

Measures: just under 6 1/2"

Condition:  Excellent, having fine crazing only.  No discoloration, no chips or cracks.  Stilt marks are present on the bottom

Unmarked