{"product_id":"antique-copeland-transferware-plate-odd-fellows-widows-orphans-c-1840s","title":"Antique Copeland Transferware Plate: Odd Fellows Widows \u0026 Orphans, c. 1840s","description":"Antique Copeland Commemorative Plate - Widows and Orphans of the Odd Fellows, c. 1840s\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAn antique earthenware commemorative plate by Copeland pottery, Stoke-on-Trent, dating to the 1840s. This plate features a symbolic black transfer-printed design for the \"Widows and Orphans of Independent Odd Fellows Manchester Unity,\" a charitable organisation within the famous Odd Fellows fraternity. The plate is bordered with a Union Wreath pattern, surrounding a central medallion dedicated to this early Friendly Society cause.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThough unmarked, the plate is attributed to Copeland, a leading 19th-century pottery known for both decorative and commemorative wares.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHistorical Background\u003cbr\u003e\nOdd Fellows is one of the oldest and most well-known Friendly Societies in the Commonwealth, with origins tracing back to 1730 in London. Formed alongside Freemasonry from the guild traditions of the 18th century, the Odd Fellows focused more on charitable acts and mutual aid within local communities.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe Manchester Unity, established in 1810, became the most influential branch of the Odd Fellows in Britain. Their charitable arms, such as the Widows and Orphans fund, supported the families of deceased members, reflecting the Society's mission of benevolence and brotherhood. Commemorative pottery such as this plate served not only as functional tableware but as visual reminders of mutual aid and collective responsibility.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMeasurements\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter: 25.5 cm\u003cbr\u003e\nWeight: 497 g\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nCondition\u003cbr\u003e\nExcellent antique condition. No chips, cracks or restorations. A small surface scratch is present below the central medallion. Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the description.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nShipping \u0026amp; Packaging\u003cbr\u003e\nItem will be sent fully tracked and insured.\u003cbr\u003e\nShipping cost includes labour, packaging, and postage.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWe offer discounts and coupons to repeat buyers. If you're looking for specific items for your collection, feel free to reach out - we frequently source inventory based on buyer requests.\u003cbr\u003e\n","brand":"Gillers Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62885324751178,"sku":null,"price":225.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1066\/5351\/6106\/files\/il_fullxfull.6741055836_2f6m.jpg?v=1785921293","url":"https:\/\/gillersantiques.com\/products\/antique-copeland-transferware-plate-odd-fellows-widows-orphans-c-1840s","provider":"Gillers Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}