19th century American and British Victorian fashion plates have become collectible again. As with most things antique, this collectible trend has come and gone over the years. But those early original hand painted plates from the period are highly sought after.
What is a Fashion Plate?
For the new collector or reader learning about antique art terms, a plate is simply a print or original drawing on a full page. They are most often found within the pages old books. While this article is about fashion plates in particular, botanical prints, historical places and architectural drawings are also widely collected plates. Fashion plates offered the 19th century reader a glimpse at the new styles, much like the slick fashion magazines of today.
Fashion Plate Sources
There were and are many sources that included fashion plates for the 19th century fashionista as well as today's collector and those interested in fashion history. Some periodicals included Belle assemblée, Le Follet, Journal des dames,The Englishwoman's Domestic and the well known Godey's Lady's Book to name just a few. These publications always included several fashion plates in color or in black and white and the publications themselves are very collectible.
Godey's Lady's Book is easily found online through eBay or Abe Books. When these were published in the 19th century, several editions were brought together and bound in complete or half year volume. Expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $150 depending on rarity and condition.
Antique Fashion Plate Values
A look at eBay's completed items will give the collector a rough idea of the current values of antique fashion plates. Very rare fashion plates seldom show up on eBay but are bought and sold privately or at live auctions.
Recently, a group of 12 original fashion plates from an 1863 edition of Englishwoman's Domestic magazine sold for as little as $12 for the lot, so there are always deals to be found. These are not considered very rare. A collector will also find original French fashion plates of the period by engravers Monnin or Anais Toudouze for approximately $20. Many hand colored plates can be found for this price.
When buying "antique" fashion plates online, ensure it's original to the period and not a modern reprint. Often you'll read terms like "antique style." Expect those to be reprints. Most sellers are honest, but do due diligence and ask questions.
To learn what to do with your fashion and costume plate collection, please read Framing and Caring for Antique Prints and Paper. Readers may also be interested in collecting Antique Hand-Colored Botanical Prints, as well as a Glossary of Antique and Vintage Print Terms.
To view a huge collection of antique fashion plates, go to University of Washington: Fashion Plate Collection.
To learn more about Godey's Lady's Book go to Fashion Era.
Lorraine Syratt - Lorraine Syratt is a freelance writer, gardener and part-time antique dealer. Please see her full profile for more information.
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