Antique 18th/19th Century, Spongeware / Stick Ware, French Plates Set – 12 Handcreated/Painted, Faience Earthenware Plates Bretonne, Vannes Atellier, in Vannes, France established in 1732, Diameter 8 3/4″, Height 1″. Spongeware is increasingly difficult to find today, very rare. In my research, I discovered the true way to determine if it’s a reproduction or antique. A sign of authenticity of the early spongeware-work will show smeared designs & color, along with overlapping of the edge patterns, fakes are’too perfect’. You will see a couple of the plates with these details. Also, t he antique spongeware was’stacked’ in a pile for drying after being decorated. Thin triangular-platforms were placed on the bottom of each to keep separated, creating (3 -‘unglazed’ pin size dots in triangle form). Experts call these’spur marks’, please notice these dishes show tiny bumps on each and can also be felt by hand. Another verification is that after 1870, pieces for importing to US must show the country of origin, these dishes have a marking of’Vannes’ of fronts of all-but-2 (very difficult to capture on camera). The two without this marking are the Bretonne Ladies with different Brenton hats, all are beautifully executed. Other markings found are the’number 5′ imprinted on the backs of these, two with (the different hats) show N or K with the 5, & only one without a legible marking but actually may be a’miss-imprint’ looks like it was started but not completed (found in the same location as others). Please feel free to ask, too much to really display, these are incredibly old & very fine each piece is unique from the other all handwork earthenware, authentic French Country. Estate Sale from an extraordinary home. An American woman marries a Frenchman, together they ran an antique shop for years in France. Later moving to Texas, flying all of their wonderful treasures to America, only deciding recently to sell everything to move back to France & retire. Condition is Used/Pre-Owned in. In very good overall shape with no visible repairs. Exhibits signs of surface wear due to age & use, very minimal (see pictures as part of description). Truly a fantastic find as a coveted 12-piece set! I will be happy to answer any concern. All items are packaged with extreme care.