Wedgwood Majolica Argenta ware oyster plate, naturalistically molded as five simulated oyster shells with five dolphins separating each, with a central yellow-glazed butter well, the reverse with impressed marks: 'Wedgwood,' British Registry Lozenge, and three-letter date mark including 'I' for 1880, and painted design number '2754' (M Series), which corresponds to 'Oyster Tray, Argenta' in the Wedgwood Majolica pattern numbers books from the Wedgwood Museum. In her landmark book, Majolica, Karmason states, "Argenta ware was the last important Majolica Wedgwood designed." For thirty years we have been among the world's preeminent specialists in fine antique Majolica.

Footnotes/book references:

1--Victoria Bergesen, Majolica: British, Continental and American Wares, 1851-1915. London: Barrie & Jenkins Publishers, 1989, p. 195. Wedgwood Majolica Pattern Books from the Wedgwood Archive reprinted in Bergesen, pp. 182-201.

2--Marilyn G. Karmason with Joan B. Stacke, "Majolica: A Complete History and Illustrated Survey." New York: Harry N. Abrams Publishers, Second Edition, 2002, p. 81.

3--Nicholas M. Dawes, Majolica, New York: Crown Publishers, 1990, p. 109, illustrated Figure 189.