Antique 18th-Century Pewter Plate by I.H. Bours (Venlo) – Marked with Crowned Rose – Diameter 35 cm

Imagine...

A winter evening somewhere around 1800. The family is gathered around the table, illuminated by candlelight. A simple meal is served on this pewter plate; bread, porridge, or a piece of meat. For generations, it is part of everyday life, without anyone realizing that centuries later it would be preserved as a tangible piece of history.

Today, this plate is no longer a household item, but a silent witness to a vanished world.

What is it?

This original antique pewter plate, with a generous diameter of 35 cm, is a beautiful example of Dutch craftsmanship from the late 18th or early 19th century. The plate has a beautiful, well-worn patina and shows the authentic signs of use that belong to an object that was actually in use for generations.

What makes this piece special is the clearly visible maker's mark. This mark can be attributed to the Venlo pewterer I.H. (Jan Hendrik) Bours, who worked between 1791 and 1842.

The mark consists of several parts that together form an important certificate of quality:

• The initials I and H, where the letter I was historically often used for the J of Jan.
• A crowned rose, an important quality and guild mark within the world of pewterers.
• In the crown, the letters V L B are visible, referring to VenLo Bours.
• An additional master's or city mark that confirmed the origin and quality control of the pewter.

Such marks were exclusively applied to high-quality pewter and formed a guarantee of purity, craftsmanship, and controlled production.

This makes this plate not only a decorative object, but also a beautifully documented example of Dutch regional pewter.

Historical context

In the 18th and early 19th centuries, pewter was an indispensable material in almost every household. Pewter plates were durable, relatively affordable, and used daily for meals.

To monitor the quality of the material, pewterers worked within guilds. Only masters who met strict requirements were allowed to apply their personal maker's marks. The crowned rose found on this plate was considered an important quality mark within the European pewter industry.

Jan Hendrik Bours belonged to a well-known family of Venlo pewterers. His workshop was active during a period when handmade pewter still formed an essential part of everyday life. Objects bearing his mark are now valued for their regional origin, recognizable hallmarks, and historical significance.

Why is this plate special?

• Original Dutch antique pewter
• Marked by I.H. Bours from Venlo
• Active between 1791 and 1842
• Featuring the rare crowned rose
• Quality mark referring to Venlo
• Beautiful authentic patina
• Generous diameter of 35 cm
• Decorative and collectible
• Tangible piece of Dutch everyday life

Where would this plate look best?

This plate would look beautiful:

• On the wall of a rustic kitchen
• In a collection of antique pewter
• In a minimalist, rustic, or wabi-sabi interior
• On a mantelpiece or wall rack with historical objects
• As part of a collection of Dutch regional pottery

Thanks to its calm appearance and centuries-old patina, it forms a subtle yet impressive eye-catcher.

Specifications

Object: Pewter plate / dish
Material: Pewter
Maker: I.H. (Jan Hendrik) Bours
Workshop: Venlo
Date: ca. 1791-1842
Diameter: 35 cm
Maker's marks: Crowned rose, initials I.H. and additional master's marks
Origin: Netherlands (Venlo)
Condition: Good authentic condition with beautiful patina and signs of use appropriate for its age. Dented.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Was this plate really made by I.H. Bours?

Yes. The maker's mark with the initials I.H. and the crowned rose corresponds to the official mark of the Venlo pewterer Jan Hendrik Bours.

What does the crowned rose mean?

The crowned rose was an important quality mark within the pewterers' guilds. It indicated that the pewter met high standards of purity and craftsmanship.

What do the letters VLB stand for?

The letters refer to VenLo Bours and form an additional identification of the workshop.

Was this plate used daily?

Yes. This type of plate was originally intended as a household item and was used daily for meals.

Is the plate still usable?

Due to its historical value, we recommend considering the plate primarily as a decorative and collectible object.

Why are maker's marks important?

Maker's marks make it possible to identify the maker, origin, and quality of an object. With antique pewter, they often significantly increase its collectible value.