Monday 20 February 2006

Collectors crave vintage Osborne Ivorex wall plaques

by Christopher Proudlove©
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Mr Pickwick

Things we take for granted, number 42: Bossons plaster of paris wall plaques, more correctly termed character masks. Okay, so perhaps they're not antiques in the true sense of the word, but they are collectable. And they are collected, particularly in the United States and Australia, where rarities can make hundreds of pounds. See them at a car boot sale, where they rarely cost above a few quid, and they are instantly dismissible. Indeed, the Business Manager (Mrs P) remembers using a damaged one discarded by her mother to chalk out the squares in the playground for a game of hopscotch.

It doesn't help that we were both born in the town where they were made (Congleton, in South Cheshire) and knew quite a few of the ladies who painted the lifelike caricatures of such characters as Buccaneer, Smuggler, Syrian, and Arab, at least one of which I can remember hanging on the wall in my childhood home. I also knew Ray Bossons, the son of a founder of the company who took it over on the death of his father, and I remember the sadness in the town when the factory closed in 1996. It was a personal loss for Ray and he died three years later, although by then well into his retirement.

However, one thing I didn't know was that Bossons also made wall plaques like the ones illustrated here. In fact, they are virtually identical to those made by the Osborne Company, under the brand name Ivorex. It turns out that when the Kent company founded in 1899 by Arthur Osborne ceased trading in 1965, entrepreneur Ray Bossons stepped in and bought the assets and the rights to produce Ivorex products of his own. He even tried to continue employing Osborne decorators to paint Bossons plaques, but in practice the idea proved untenable.

The result is a fascinating quandary for today's collectors drawn to the amazingly detailed and decorative wall plaques, some of which fetch serious money today. Point is, some of these wall plaques appear in three variations: the originals made by Osborne; copies made by Bossons but painted in Kent and copies produced entirely in South Cheshire.

Telling Osborne originals from Bossons copies is easy: all the former are marked with the AO (for Arthur Osborne) copyright mark, usually on the bottom right front of a plaque and various trademarks on the reverse, while Bossons removed the AO copyright mark and used self adhesive labels instead of the trademarks on the back. Being able to spot the difference in the colour palettes used is down to comparing the two side-by-side and plenty of experience.

Arthur Osborne was born in Ospringe, a village near Faversham, Kent, the son of a book and print seller in 1855. The boy showed early artistic talent and went to South Kensington Art School in London. He subsequently emigrated to Canada, but settled in America, working as a designer for the J and J G Low Art Tile Comapny of Boston, Massachusetts.

He married there but returned to Kent in 1898 to found the Osborne Ivorex company producing three-dimensional plaques and other decorative plaster of paris knickknacks in a business that went on to thrive and become a major employer, particularly paintresses drawn from the local population.

I am grateful to collector John Smith, whose Southampton home is a shrine to Osborne Ivorex plaques, for supplying the pictures for this week's column. John points out that values can vary a great deal. An average price for an 11 x 6 plaque is about £35, while the large Pickwick plaque illustrated averages around £500 and the rarer Death of Nelson ranges from £800 to £2000. The smaller plaques average around £25, although he adds that the least he has paid is 50p at a car boot sale.

"Incredibly Osborne made very low batches of some scenes in the hopes of securing a larger order in the future so we don't really know what is the rarest piece. If he only made a dozen of a particular scene they may never see the light of day again, and it is believed that he actually carried out some private commissions of one-off' pieces," so keep an eye out!

Read more on John Smith's website at www.ivorex.btinternet.co.uk.
Among the most popular products were those depicting well known tourist destinations. Working from picture postcards from around the world, Osborne produced highly detailed copies carved into clay which were used as masters to make moulds for the plaster of paris. After painting, the plaques were given their distinctive "ivory" finish by dipping them in the heart paraffin wax which was then buffed to give them a dull sheen.

Subjects covered included historical places of interest, such as cathedrals, castles and tourist destinations from both the UK and overseas; the birthplace or home of notable individuals such as Shakespeare; a range of characters and scenes from Dickens, fairytales and other moments in literature; portraits of famous people and many more. Today's collector has plenty of scope. It is thought that well over 800 different subjects were covered.

At the height of their popularity, it is said that around 45,000 pieces left the factory annually with thousands being shipped abroad weekly to meet demand. Although copyrighted, the products were copied ruthlessly, notably by those named "IvorArt" but they lacked quality and were a poor imitation.

Labour and material shortages, rising costs and a dwindling market during the Second World War proved to be a major hurdle for the company and Arthur Osborne's death in 1943 heralded the end of the company. His daughter, Blanche, managed to continue production but it eventually ceased trading and closed in 1965.

Pictures show, top:
"Mr Pickwick addressing the members of The Pickwick Club - The proudest moment of his existence", an Osborne Ivorex plaque sold recently for £520

Below, left to right:
The Rows, Chester. Bossons' version of this Osborne Ivorex plaque is virtually identical, apart from the Bossons label on the back. Towards the end of their Ivorex production Bossons did 'adjust' the colours of their plaques to their own taste, possibly to brighten up the scenes for modern consumers

The Osborne Ivorex plaque entitled "A Welsh tea party" - just right for tourists to the region

Conwy Castle and bridge, an Osborne Ivorex plaque today worth around £35

ChesterWelsh ladiesConwy Castle

Labels:

102 Comments:

Anonymous Susan Huntley said...

I have two Osborne Plaques that belonged to my mother. Our family comes from Faversham in Kent, in fact I still live there. My mother has sadly died but I have a number of her belongings in my home, and am only just looking at them as it has been too painful up to now to go through her belongings.
Both have the AO in the corner, and Osborne-copyright on the back
The plaques in question are titled "An Old Whaler" and "Glad Hearts". The former shows an old sailing ship with the sails and rigging, the latter a couple sat on a settle by the fire. I would love to know more about them.

29 February 2008 at 04:56  
Anonymous paul holmes said...

i have a osborne ,it has osborne with copyright 1920 underneath.the right hand corner looks different[s-dr tis] maybe could you help.it is shakespeares house 9by6

31 May 2008 at 23:35  
Anonymous Christopher Proudlove said...

Paul
Thanks for leaving a comment. I suggest you email ivorex@btinternet.com. It is run by John and Betty Smith, who helped me with my article. I'm sure they will be able to help you with a valuation. See http://www.ivorex.btinternet.co.uk/.

1 June 2008 at 08:13  
Anonymous Vickie Lytle said...

Hi! I just found a wonderful old Arthur Osborne Ivorex plaque that says Sam Weller and "Commencing to Shine" on the front and there is a symbol and 1908 with A and O (which I assume is the year and Osborne's initials). It has a major chip out of the bottom left corner on the backside and does not show from the front unless you look at the left side. Please let me know about it and it's value. I love the look of it and want to add it to my collection with a description on the back.

13 September 2009 at 16:13  
Anonymous Kathy said...

Hi, I have a 1916 Pickwick Papers Ivorex plaque. It has the A in the O. Looking for the value.

13 October 2009 at 18:06  
Anonymous Tracy said...

looking a value on a osborn ivorex copyright made in england, rodes memorial groote schuur, 185mmhx250mmw.

4 November 2009 at 21:53  
Anonymous anthonyborland said...

hi i am looking for a value on a ivorex a osborne named first and last house copyright 1939 thank you

8 February 2010 at 13:43  
Anonymous Sandra McLaren said...

I have an 1906 Osborne plaque that was my mothers. She lived in Glasgow and it is of the Glasgow University. It was nice to get some information from the site you mentioned and to find out how it was made and that it is an original. Thanks!

8 February 2010 at 15:46  
Anonymous josie harken said...

Hi, I have an IVOREX plaque of a lady outside a thatched cottage sitting at a spinning wheel. All proper markings are there, but the name E. Watkins has been inscribed on the back of the clay. Can anyone give me any info?

8 February 2010 at 19:18  
Anonymous laura mcghee said...

HI I HAVE A OSBORNE PLAQUE MADE IN ENGLAND BY ARTHUR OSBORNE ON THE BACK OF PLAQUE ALSO REGD AND NUMBER. THE SCENE IS HARVEST OF THE FIELD,HAVE ANOTHER 4 LARGER OSBORNE PLAQUE THAT I INHERITED FORM MY UNCLE WOULD LOVE TO KNOW THE VALUE OF THESE PLAQUE S CAN ANYONE GIVE ME INFORMATION THANKS LAURA

19 February 2010 at 09:16  
Anonymous Marlina Guzman said...

I have a 1907 Choir Chester Cathedral ivorex plaque made by Arthur Osborne. Can anyone tell me what it's worth or any other information on it? Thanks in advance.

18 March 2010 at 16:52  
Anonymous Christopher Proudlove said...

Marlina
I know Chester and its cathedral well, having once lived on the outskirts of the city. It's great place and worthy of a visit. Your plaque is a fairly common example and worth £20-30 at auction.

19 March 2010 at 03:51  
Anonymous Elish said...

I have a small plaque ''Going to market''copy right 1936

25 March 2010 at 14:58  
Anonymous terence butler said...

I have 3 wall plaques by a osborne. Appeal to the great spirit is copyright 1917.The end of the trail is copyright 1917. The light of the world is copyright1913. could you give me some idea of their worth. Thanks

27 March 2010 at 01:54  
Anonymous Barbara Jones said...

I am interested in learning the value of two Osborne Ivorex pieces that were my grandmothers. One is “Store House, “Plymouth in 1622″. It includes the names “P. Brown, J. Goodman, J. Billington, I Allerton, F. Cooke and E. Winslow” It also includes “Old Fort” and “Gov. Bradford”.
The second is “Ann Hathaway’s Cottage. Shottery”
Thank you.

3 May 2010 at 19:53  
Anonymous Barbara Jones said...

What do you mean that my comment is awaiting "moderation"?

3 May 2010 at 19:54  
Anonymous Judy Clearwater said...

I have a circular Auld Lang Syne plaque owned by my parents probably from the 1930's.
Can any one tell me anything about it?

5 June 2010 at 00:52  
Anonymous lisa wood said...

I have an old plaque" the old folks at home". but on the back it is signed The Home Culture Club March,2nd 1930 and it has 13 signatures below that.. I was wondering if anyone could tell me anything about that

23 June 2010 at 08:40  
Anonymous LORI SIKORSKI said...

i have two plaques from Osborne ivorex colection one plaque is called a friendly call and the other is called old folks at home

26 July 2010 at 01:56  
Anonymous LORI SIKORSKI said...

i was wondering there worth they are copy write from Osborne made in englend

26 July 2010 at 02:00  
Anonymous Maureen Stockdale said...

Hello, I was very enthusiastic to find your web page today. I had just returned from an estate sale in Hamburg, New York, south of Buffalo, and wanted to investigate my purchase. I purchased two A. Osborne carved pictures. The first is 9.5" x 6" and the carved scene is entitled Burns' Cottage Interior. On the back in handcarved writing is A Osborne Copyright 1907. There are a couple of chips in the back that cannot be scene from the front.
The next find is a 10" x 6.75" plaque entitled "Cottage of Ann Hathaway" The faded stamp on back reads IVOR ONE ...there are 2 letters too faded to read. Then the word WARE below that. It also reads "SATIN-TONE"
Both plaques are wired to hang. Any help you could give on these pieces and their worth would be wonderful. I would be happy to e-mail photos. "Thanks so much,
Maureen

13 August 2010 at 15:35  
Anonymous d.m.thompson said...

I have a set of five iverex wall plaques in black picture frames one is highland Mary and Bobby burns another is Tam o' Shanti and souter johnny another burns cottage another interior of burns cottage and an oval of bobby burns,if i was to sell what would be a fair price. thank you.

23 August 2010 at 04:45  
Anonymous d.m.thompson said...

i have a set of 5 iverex plaques inblack picture frames,the frames are by brewer bros ltd huddersfield,one oval of robbie burns,the other 4 are oblong one of tam oshanty&souter johnny one interior of burns cottage one of highland mary and burns and one of burns cottage, if i was to sell them what would be a fair price. thank you.

23 August 2010 at 04:57  
Anonymous paul bennett said...

my mum has been left an ivorex plaque of "the death of nelson on board the victory at trafalgar october 21.1805-thank god i have done my duty" could you tell me more about the item and a valuation

28 August 2010 at 10:16  
Anonymous Judy Wilkerson said...

I have two ivorex plaques. The first is The Old Folks at Home. There is an AO in the right bottom corner. The marking on the back states "Ivorex" copyright U.S.A. Arthur Osborne made in England. The second is Ann Hathaway's Cottage-Shottery. It also has an AO in the right corner and the marking on back states"Ivorex" Osborne-copyrightU.S.A. distributed by The Ivorex Co.Inc New York City. I would like to know the value of these plaques. I would also like to find out how to clean them. They appear yellowed perhaps from cigarrete smoke. Thank you for your response.

4 September 2010 at 19:50  
Anonymous Christopher Proudlove said...

Judy
Your plaques have a decorative value. In terms of hard cash, an auctioneer would offer them together and might expect bids of £20-30 for the two. Save them, they might increase in value and in the meantime, wash them gently with wahing-up liquid and rinse in in clean lukewarm water. Use a toothbrush very gently to shift stains.

9 September 2010 at 02:27  
Anonymous Isabel Clarity said...

I have an Ivorex "Houses of Parliament London". There aren't any marks on the front. On the bottom edge it is engraved, "Ivorex Copywright 1921 Osburne Made in England"
On the back it is written in light gray "Ivorex"
Copyright U.S.A. Arthur Osborne Made in England.

Can you tell me the age of this and what the value might be? Thank you very much!

28 October 2010 at 22:10  
Anonymous Christopher Proudlove said...

Claritys Sadly, as I have said before, these plaques are relatively common and do not attrat prices beyond the £20-30 mark. Yours will date from around the same time as the copyright mark (but obviously not before 1921). But who knows, they may increase in value over time ...

29 October 2010 at 04:18  
Anonymous Karin Milnes said...

I have a wall plaque Called" the Angelus" Made by Ivorex with osborne written on it alo I have an antique bell ringer with the date of 1583 and it says Patmay on it..I was wondering what you show for worth of these 2 items

15 November 2010 at 08:06  
Anonymous John Dorking said...

As John Smith knows, I have a hundred Osbornes which I have collected over the years. My wife now insists I dispose of them to make space. Any suggestions?

26 November 2010 at 05:03  
Anonymous Peter Halferty said...

Hello, I have a plaque labeled on front Caleche - Quebec. On back is Chateau Cigar & News Stand Quebec. Osborne - Copyright 1923 Made in England. Can anyone help with value. Would appreciate it very much. Beautiful peice. Horse and carriage. Thank you. Peter

20 December 2010 at 18:23  
Anonymous Robin Lippin said...

Thanks so much for that article.I can't believe I found out what I had (didn't know how to describe it for the internet to pick up but it did)!! I got them today in a thrift store but neither one has an AO and the back is really hard to read but I do see Osborne and Made in England on both. It is a grey colored writing but really faded. One is Lincoln Cathedral and the other is Conway Castlen and Bridge. I hope they are worth more than the 17.50 us dollars I paid for "each". They look really old but dont know how old. If anyone can help? I am in the US. Thanks so much!!

28 December 2010 at 22:11  
Anonymous Judy Clearwater said...

Thank you Christopher, I really love my Auld Land Syne & will cherish it on my wall.

30 December 2010 at 00:03  
Anonymous Gill Walding said...

Hi
clearing out Mum-in-laws house I've found an Osborne wall plaque 'The Angelus'. It has a bit of damage, can you tell me if it has any value?
Many thanks
Gill

24 January 2011 at 06:45  
Anonymous Christopher Proudlove said...

Gill
I'm afraid damage means your plaque has only a decorative value.

24 January 2011 at 06:49  
Anonymous Bernie said...

There seems to be 2 distinct types of finish to our small collection of Osbornes. One is a nice deep mellow the other a matt pale finish (all in the eye of the beholder but prefer the former). Is the matt a result of (previous owners) washing them and losing the parafin wax finish? Can they be re-waxed and how? Many thanks

24 January 2011 at 11:57  
Anonymous Christopher Proudlove said...

Bernie, I'm sorry, I don't know the answer to that. Can anyone help?

24 January 2011 at 12:22  
Anonymous Jay Garrison said...

I have 2 Osborne plaques. "A Friendly Call" and Priscilla and John Alden", both in excellent condition. They were 1927 wedding gifts to my parents. I was wondering the value of them other than sentimental.

Thanks, Jay Garrison, Plano, Texas USA

9 February 2011 at 14:39  
Anonymous Christopher Proudlove said...

Jay, only a decorative value, but great mementos.

10 February 2011 at 03:39  
Anonymous fiona melling said...

enquiring on a value of exeter cathedral 8.5 x 6.5

18 February 2011 at 22:56  
Anonymous pgrein said...

hi, I have an AOsborne 1910 Copywright
the twa brigs Ayr
wondering about value?

21 February 2011 at 17:49  
Anonymous Neils1908 said...

Hi, I have a 3 dimensional Ivorex 9 X 8.5 inch 'Alfred the Great King of England 871-901' wall plaque depicting 6 various famous scenes/images from King Alfred's life. The colour is a yellowy brown (the scenes have not been painted over' and is in very good condition (two or three slight chips on the front but very small and may have occurred during production). It has been 'signed' 'A. Osborne' on the reverse and has 'copyright 1904' on the back and someone has additionally etched on the back that they bought it in Winchester in 1916. Wondered what the value would be of this piece as cannot find any references to a plaque of this size and subject material anywhere on the internet and whether it has actually been signed by the designer himself?

1 March 2011 at 08:32  
Anonymous steven said...

i have a plaque of two native americans walking through the forest.. the bottom says" wedding journey of minnehahd and hiawatha". the words may be wrong because i cant read it that well. i also have another piece of art just like it but heavy and looks like it was hand carved. its of the last supper, i think it is atleast. both pieces are 3d.

21 March 2011 at 17:45  
Anonymous Jodi Blaugh said...

Have an signed on back "Osborne Copyright 1920"
and on the front lower bottom left says " Burns Cottage Interior" excellent condition, and thanks never knew what we had, probably 9 1/2 X 6 and my husband is Scottish!

27 March 2011 at 13:42  
Anonymous Maria A. Leviner said...

I have an Arthur Osborne plaque entitled "Burns Birthscene" that has the AO in the right side 9.5 x 6.5. It has the copyright in the back, made in England. I am wondering about monetary value since I been doing research and haven't been able to find information or approximate real value. The plaque has some small chip.

29 March 2011 at 21:55  
Anonymous E. Wallach said...

Could you kindly let me know the value in US$ of these 3 Arthur Osborne plaques:
An Old Cottage, A Friendly Call, and The Old Folks At Home. All have the ao on lower right side. Thank you.

8 April 2011 at 01:46  
Anonymous Christopher Proudlove said...

These plaques have only a decorative value, less than $50 each.

8 April 2011 at 02:37  
Anonymous Dave said...

Hi i have a tower bridge, london plaque, a westminister abbey and a st pauls cathedral. The tower bridge plaque is in good condition but the other two have got a crack in them. Could you please tell me what there value are.

12 May 2011 at 02:37  
Anonymous Christopher Proudlove said...

The value of these plaques is low. Sadly the damaged examples have only a decorative value. Tower Bridge is worth perhaps £15-20.

12 May 2011 at 02:44  
Anonymous John Cooney said...

Hi my plaque is intitled " The Adventures of a Tame Fox at the White Hart Bridgewater chased by Mr Portman's Hounds 1799" It has c within a circle and an A and O in the right hand corner of the plaque.

Is this of any value.

Thanks.

John.

11 June 2011 at 08:51  
Anonymous Christopher Proudlove said...

John, Thanks for your post. Your plaque is one of the rare examples and has a value of around £30-50, occasionally a lttle more if two collelctors lock horns in an auction. For those not aware of it, the plaque shows the fox attempting to escape up a chimney chased by hounds and hunstman in the kitchen of an irate woman wielding a rolling pin.

12 June 2011 at 10:07  
Anonymous Mrs M.M.G. Brownlie said...

I have a plaque dated 1930 of 'interior of an irish cottage'. It is stamped made in england, copyright A Osborne, 1930. Can you possible value same for me?
Thank you so much.
Regards, May.

26 June 2011 at 11:35  
Anonymous Christopher Proudlove said...

Only a decorative value, i'm afraid.

27 June 2011 at 09:12  
Anonymous Betsy Liberato said...

Wondering the value in U.S. dollars of a plaque of "Welsh Tea Party" . It has "A. Osborne 1904 Copyright" on the back and and AO in the right hand corner. This plaque either doesn't have any color to it or the color has worn off? Thanks so much.

2 July 2011 at 09:47  
Anonymous Gordon Marshal said...

I have an OSBORNE IVOREX
copyright
made in England
T Ltd Birmingham
No Date
Named Welsh market woman
"fresh from the country"
Any sugestions of age. I can remember this from 1942. Many thanks

12 July 2011 at 09:06  
Anonymous Paula Wright said...

I have a 6 1/2 x 10" Ivorix type plague that I would like to identify. I have read the post and I am aware of the Arthur Osborne plagues and the W. H. Bossons plagues. I have had this plague some thirty years. When I got it, it looked old and the paint was faded. The Plague has "The Andgelus" on the bottom right hand side. The only colors visible is blue on the mans pants and womans apron. The pitchfork, wheel barrow and basket are brown. There is s shiny part under the basket and on the wheel barrow, but other wise the paint is faded. There is some green which is mostly faded. There are no markings other than a stamped and indented #207 which is located on the under bottom of the plague. There was old and dirty green velvet on the back which I removed. Can anyone identify this plague?
Thanks for the site and any help you can share.
Paula Wright

15 July 2011 at 15:55  
Anonymous Maureen said...

Any information on Burns and Highland Mary (marked with AO, "Ivorex", copyright in all countries, Arthur Osborne, Made in England.
Also, Shakespear's House Stratford on Avon (don't see an AO mark; marked "Ivorex", Osborne (copyright), made in England.
Both 9" x 6" plaques have small chips.
Please share any information you can. Is there any value outside of their artistic value?
Thanks for your help.

24 July 2011 at 13:06  
Anonymous Mrs Joan Skivington said...

I have an Osbourne Ivorex wall Plaques called "The Jews House" Could you tell me how much this is worth? Thanks

25 July 2011 at 08:30  
Anonymous Francis said...

Chris,

I have an 1881 piece made by Osborne for low tiles in Chelsea, MA with original frame and the title "when age steals on." The standard "AO" is on the bottom and is about 6 inches by 10 inches. Any idea about what this may be worth?

14 August 2011 at 08:37  
Anonymous Ian said...

I have a plaque Lands End First and Last House plaque. Good condition. stamped on back
"IVOREX"
OSBORNE_COPYRIGHT
MADE IN ENGLAND,

possibly brass screws as no staining on the front but no date. can you advise as to value ,

Thanks Ian

27 August 2011 at 10:38  
Anonymous Magdeline said...

I have a 9" X 6" copy of "The Gleaners". On the back lower left corner is "IVOREX" Osborne Copyright Made in England. I'd like to know the year it was produced and it's possible worth. I can hardly take my eyes off of it!

29 September 2011 at 21:31  
Anonymous teresa Bondurant said...

I have one named "Hope". Does anyone have any info on this one as I cannot locate any info on this specific plaque. thank you

24 October 2011 at 18:55  
Anonymous Katherine said...

Hi there, thanks for this article - I discovered my plaque on a trip to Chester and had no idea of what it was or where it came from. It is titled The Oldest House in Chester, and there is no chipping or obvious damage - but I think the colors may have faded. It's hard to tell, actually. It has the AO and Copyright symbol, but on the lower left hand side instead of the right, and it doesn't have any words at all stamped on the back. It has the original eyelets and the original cord still attached. It does not have a date anywhere that I can see. Any idea of how old it is? I'm assuming it's only of decorative value - which is fine, as I like it, but it would be nice to know the age and value anyway. Any help with that would be greatly appeciated! Thanks :D

16 November 2011 at 17:34  
Anonymous Clara Kelley said...

I was given 2 plaques today, 2 ivorex wall plaques, one the tower of london and the other St Pauls cathedral both are osborn made with o and a on them with a c in middle of the o both are in very good shape, I love them , don't want to sell them because I was in England 5 or 6 years ago LOVED the place and the people so very nice . thanks for the site wanted to see if I could find out about them. Thanks

5 December 2011 at 11:43  
Anonymous Joe Bigini said...

Just purchased an ivorex plaque
"extraordinary fox chase by the duke of beauforts hounds at upper castle coombe january 1794"

What would it be worth?

Thank You

6 December 2011 at 09:17  
Anonymous Joseph Hewes said...

I have this same ivorex wall plaque of Mr pickwick addressing the pickwick club. It has the AO on the bottom left corner. I can not find a price on it. How much is it worth? And who wants to buy it?

19 December 2011 at 22:40  
Anonymous mariabirrell said...

I recently found two ivorex plaques in a local thrift shop.the 1'st is charles dickens in his study gadshill no chips or dents, good colour but no inscription.the other is copywrited b.osborne+co 1920 called tam oshanters ride "so maggie runs the witches follow wi'monie Android eldritch skriech Android hollow" are these rare ,any idea of value

29 December 2011 at 18:15  
Anonymous Marilyn Lesley said...

Good afternoon
I have an Arthur Osborne plaque as follows:-
The Adventures of a Tame Fox at the White Hart Bridgewater chased by Mr Portmans Hounds 1799 - 12" x 7½"
I would be grateful for any info (perhaps a rough valuation) you might be able to offer.
Thank you
Marilyn Lesley

10 February 2012 at 08:13  
Anonymous Simon Luxmoore said...

Hi
I have 2 A Osborne plaques dated 1917 and copywrited . One is 'The end of the Trail', and the other 'Appeal to the Great Spirit'.
Could you please give me an indication of the value.
Thanks,
Simon Luxmoore

18 February 2012 at 14:03  
Anonymous Adam Gordon said...

I have a copywriten plaque of Girdleness lighthouse Aberdeen dated 1920. Could you please give me some idea of worth thanking you Adam Gordon.

3 March 2012 at 09:19  
Anonymous Doug Browne said...

I have an Osborne bas relief of the exterior of Burn's Cottage - Alloway Ayr with a husband, wife and three children at the door. I cannot discern a date. Can barely read the Made in England stamp on the back. Any idea of the date and background? I love this plaque.

23 March 2012 at 23:35  
Anonymous john callaghan said...

High,
I have a bossons plaque its 14" old english village, paintress Barbara Cotteril signed bc 1947. Looked on Kevin Phipps site & it says there are only 2 other known examples. Please could anyone tell me the value of this plaque. Any info greatly recieved, many thanks, John.

31 March 2012 at 12:43  
Anonymous Mac Palmer said...

I am very interested in learning of any value there may be for the 4 Ivorex plaques That I inherited. They are all in excellent condition with no visible flaws. They are as follows:
"God's Providence House, Chester"
"A Friendly Call"
"Whist at Wardles" Mr. Pickwick Humorous
"Christmas at Wardles" Dear Mr. Pickwick.

Both of the Pickwick plaques have on their backs "A Osborne 1906".

The Providence house has "Phillipson & Golder" and "A. Osborne 1904 copyright" on the back side.
The Friendly Call has the "AO" in the lower right corner.

I would greatly appreciate any information concerning these beautiful plaques and any possible value.

Thank you,
Mac Palmer

10 April 2012 at 12:14  
Anonymous Marie Ward said...

I have a collection of 10 Osbourne plaques, one of them is Ann Hathaways cottage - Shottery and it's in its original hand made box. Would that make it more desirable to a collector.

23 April 2012 at 10:33  
Anonymous Christopher Proudlove said...

Sadly, not to any great extent. Unfortunately, the value of the majority of these plaques has yet to be realised.

23 April 2012 at 10:35  
Anonymous shirley said...

i have a collection of 22 ivorex osbournes some r
are matchbox holder and large and small sets

6 May 2012 at 10:41  
Anonymous JEAN said...

HI I HAVE OSBOURNE IVOREX FIGUARES OF MR PICKWICK , OLIVER TWIST, LITTLE NELL MR MACAUBER,AND SEVERAL MORE, THEY WERE A SPECIAL COMMISION AND ONLY SOLD IN THE OLD CURIOSITY SHOP IN LONDON

10 June 2012 at 17:19  
Anonymous Andrea Durand said...

I have recently acquired a 3 1/2"x 5" oval Mr Macowber Ivorex. It has the copyright A.O. on the lower side. It also has copyright 1910, made in England, A Osborne, along the edge of underside of oval. I'm assuming this is a common example. I'm curious of monetary value, if any, although I would never part with it. It belonged to my very recently passed away grandparents!

27 June 2012 at 07:37  
Anonymous Christopher Proudlove said...

Low value I'm afraid - less than £50. But stick on to it, perhaps one day ...

27 June 2012 at 08:25  
Anonymous Matt Harvey said...

Anyone who has Osborne Ivorex plaques they wish to sell please contact me. Am always looking for new pieces to add to my collection. I have a large framed pickwick addressing the club for sale/trade for pieces. Matt 07789817841

25 July 2012 at 17:37  
Anonymous Ward Tower said...

I have an Ivorex "Rounding Up a Staggler" that my dad has come across. It has the copyright marking and is in good shape. Is this one if the more rare ones and wondering what it's value might be.

Best regards

14 November 2012 at 08:08  
Anonymous Crystal said...

Hi, I have 2 plaques, both approximately 5X7. One says Robert Burns Osborne copyright "Ivorex" and the other is Aiosborne 1906 copyright. Could you give me some idea on the value of each please? Thank You

25 November 2012 at 16:15  
Anonymous beryl allen said...

Hi My gran left me 2 plagues. 1 Glad hearts 1913
and 2 We'll take a cup o'Kindness yet. for auld lang syne (Ivorex Osborne copy right on back) no date is it worth keeping them

24 December 2012 at 03:10  
Anonymous jim said...

Hi, I have many bossons heads+bossons iverex throughout my house and would appreciate any info re. a six sided 5"x3"
a. osborne c. 1904 Ivorex `The Devil looks over Lincoln` that I picked up a couple of years ago. It`s in vgc.....anything special?

5 January 2013 at 08:12  
Anonymous Judith Beardow said...

Hi, I have 2 Ivorex 9x6 Plaques. One "The Old Folks Home" and one "A Friendly Call". Can you help with value & where/how to sell. I live in Leeds.

6 January 2013 at 06:57  
Anonymous Lois Hudson said...

I have a AVOREX of Aurther Osbonre It has the AO in the lower left corner also has a copy right on the back lower left corner.Copyright in Great Britain,Canada and USA. Made in England.Please advise of it's value. It's title is Shakespeare's return from the Chase which is on the front lower left coner. Thank You,Lois

8 January 2013 at 10:40  
Anonymous Elaine said...

Hello there,
I have four Osborne oval plaques.
1 - Mr Pickwick, 1 - William Shakespeare, 1- Little Nell, 1 - Rheims Cathedral (oblong/portrait)
Any info woul d be appreciated
Thanks
Elaine

20 February 2016 at 09:12  
Anonymous Christopher Proudlove said...

Dear Elaine
Thanks for your message. Sadly, these wall plaques have only a decorative value. I guess it's a combination of numbers - thousands were made - and fashion - they seem currently to be unfashionable. Perhaps over time, they might come back, so best advice is to stick onto them. Who knows, one day perhaps.

20 February 2016 at 09:20  
Anonymous Mary said...

So many of us seem to have plaques that are worth very little at the moment! Can you give a few examples is plaques that are worth more, please? That said, my collection of around forty may have little monetary value but to me they are priceless and I love each and every one, collected over many years,

24 April 2016 at 07:34  
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8 September 2016 at 10:28  
Anonymous Ian Wise said...

Hi, my grandad left me an original plaque in a frame of the Guildhall in Faversham.
My grandparents also grew up in Ospringe near Faversham but I'm not 100% sure if they was given this directly.
I've done a fair bit of research and still yet to come across a plaque of the guildhall. Are you able to give a valuation? Due to my love of this plaque I also have a copy of it that I had for years, this is why I my grandad left it to me.

25 September 2016 at 12:44  
Anonymous Susan Amend said...

I have a Osbourne Invorex Glad Hearts. Is this worth anything. Please let me know. Thanks

3 November 2016 at 16:51  
Anonymous Ineke jones said...

I have an ivorex/plaster relief wall plaque of Burn's Cottage Ayr . The lower left corner has the title on a 'banner' , the bottom edge is decorated with floral garland, going up on to the right edge. There is no maker' mark anywhere. A man is standing in the doorway and a lady holding a baby is sitting on a chair. There is a dog to the right of the man. The back shows a relief , rather than being flat.

17 November 2016 at 05:37  
Blogger Unknown said...

I have an Ivorex plaque given to my mother in the vicinity of 70 years ago by her sister-in-law. It always hung in her house until her death. It is now in my possession. It is entitled "A Flemish Water Front" and is in excellent shape. Can you tell me anything about this? Is it of any value?

1 December 2017 at 18:56  
Blogger Unknown said...

How much is the Priscilla and Jon Alden worth I have one

7 September 2018 at 18:10  
Blogger Unknown said...

I have a 1913 copy right date on bottom made in England priscilla and jhon alden plaque arthur osborne please tell me it's worth before I get a wrong offer thanks

7 September 2018 at 19:20  
Blogger Unknown said...

I am getting quite a collection of these plaques and love them . The only interest I have in their value is that they are still inexpensive enough for my to be able to buy and admire them

2 September 2020 at 23:21  
Blogger joanie mann said...

i have a 8 1/2 x 6 1/2 plaque made in england ivorex osborne named "hope"looks like a lady holding a harp,do you have any information on this thank you

21 September 2020 at 12:19  
Blogger PamelaM said...

I have an Ivorex plaque of “the home of Charles dickens “ are there any collectors in Australia?

16 August 2021 at 23:22  
Blogger Unknown said...

signing of the company plaque provincetown mass nov 11 1620. I just came across this plaque and it's in very good condition. Can anyone tell me about it? It's got the Osborne stamp and made in England on the back.

16 November 2021 at 08:30  
Blogger Best Plaques and Awards Company in United States said...

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16 November 2023 at 09:42  
Blogger Best Plaques and Awards Company in United States said...

As we navigate the landscapes of acknowledgment and appreciation, Donation Wall Plaques stand as pillars of gratitude. Beyond recognizing financial support, these plaques symbolize the collective effort to create positive change, ensuring that the spirit of generosity lives on.

16 November 2023 at 10:01  

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