Cup plate

[3] Barber indicates the original use of the plates as a rest for the partially empty teacup that protected the tablecloth and the table surface (similar to the modern drink coaster), while the tea was consumed from the saucers, a part of proper etiquette at the time.

[9] At this time the drinking of tea from the saucer was no longer considered appropriate, and the cup plates were repurposed for preserves, butter, and pickles.

[4] The small, three inches in diameter, plates were made of glass or underglaze printed (transferware) Staffordshire pottery in blue and white.

[10] Of the many steamboat designs, one of the rarest shows a sidewheel ship with an F on the paddleboard, "B. F." on the flag, and the "Benjamin Franklin" above the vessel.

The rim contains patriotic emblems: stars, anchors, and the American eagle on the background of tiny dots raised on the underside.

Cup plates were also used to commemorate historical figures, including George Washington and Henry Harrison.