Spode Trade Winds ‘Ship Grand Turk’ Decorative Wall Plate – c.1960s, England

In 1786, the Grand Turk set sail from Salem, Massachusetts — the first American merchant vessel to reach China. She flew the Stars and Stripes into waters no American ship had entered before, and came back with silk, porcelain, and a story worth telling. Nearly two centuries later, Spode decided that story deserved a plate.

This is a beautiful vintage decorative wall plate from Spode's celebrated Trade Winds series — pattern W146, based on an original design from c.1805. The centre features a crisp blue transfer print of the Ship Grand Turk, Built 1786, rendered in exquisite detail: full sail, Stars and Stripes flying proudly from the stern, cutting through a light swell with the confidence of a ship that knows exactly where it's going. The cream ground is framed by a delicate rope-twist border in blue, with a scalloped edge that gives the whole thing a quietly elegant finish.

Made from Spode Fine Stone — a dense, high-quality earthenware — this plate has real weight and presence. It is in mint condition: not a chip, not a crack, not a single scratch. The original wall-hanging hook is still attached to the back. The full Spode backstamp is clear and complete.

• Maker: Spode – England
• Pattern: Trade Winds, W146
• Design source: Original c.1805 design
• Subject: Ship Grand Turk, Built 1786
• Material: Fine Stone (high-quality earthenware)
• Diameter: 26 cm
• Weight: 634 g
• Era: circa 1960s
• Origin: England
• Condition: Mint / as new; original wall hook attached

⚠️ WARNING: Hanging this plate on your wall may cause an uncontrollable urge to learn everything about 18th-century maritime trade routes. Maison de L'oro accepts no responsibility for any subsequent purchase of a nautical atlas, a model ship kit, or a tricorn hat. The Grand Turk sailed to China and back. The least you can do is hang her on your wall.