Choo-Choo China Charms Collectors

WHAT IS IT?

This is a blue-and-white platter in the Baltimore and Ohio “Centenary” pattern, made to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the B&O; Railroad in 1927.

WHAT’S ITS HISTORY?

This platter is an example of a railroad collectible, according to Meg Coughlin of the Railroadiana Collectors Assn.

“This piece was made in 1927, because earlier pieces had a ‘Patent Applied For’ backstamp. Lamberton-Scammell China of New Jersey made [pieces like this] in the late 1920s, ‘30s and ‘40s,” she says. “Sometime in the 1950s, Shenango China took over as the manufacturer. This china is still made today for the B&O; Railroad Museum in Baltimore.

“This is one of the most prolific patterns of railroad china,” she says.

WHAT’S THE LEGEND?

Laguna Woods resident Mary Freeman’s father bequeathed this platter to her. “He worked for Borden’s as a wholesale milkman for the railroads,” she says. “That’s how our family got it. We’ve had it ever since I can remember.”

Freeman keeps the piece for display, rather than daily use.

WHY IS IT STILL POPULAR?

Many people buy railroad collectibles. Railroadiana Collectors Assn. has more than 1,000 members, many of whom are interested in railroad china.

WHAT’S IT WORTH TODAY?

Value depends on several things, most important of which is the condition of the item; chips, cracks or excessive glaze wear detract significantly from the value of a piece of china.

Platters like these sell more in the $100 range, although prices can vary.

“Plates and platters are the most commonly found pieces in this pattern,” Coughlin says.

A B&O; Centenary teapot with cover sold for $825 in 1999.

Coughlin adds that Internet auctions have caused fluctuations in values and monitoring these sites is a good way to establish a value range.

Besides EBay (https://www.eBay.com), the Railroad Memories Web site (https://www.railroadmemories .com) offers auction prices.

WHERE CAN I FIND IT?

There are many sites on the Internet focused on railroad collectibles. In addition to the two Web sites above, visit https://www.rrhistorical-2.com/rcai.

For more about the B&O; Railroad: https://www.steamlocomotive.com/bomuseum.

Bookstores stock “Schroeder’s Antiques: Price Guide” (18th edition, 1999, $12.95) by Sharon and Bob Huxford with the latest auction-realized prices for railroad collectibles.