Antique blue and white ironstone plate, 9 inches in diameter, with a detailed hand painted ocean scene depicting a large whaling ship in the background and a fisherman and whales in the foreground. It is in excellent condition with no chips or cracks. The origins of this plate are a mystery as the factory mark on the back did not fully transfer onto the pottery. Only the bottom portion of the factory mark is visible, and it reads “England.” Underneath is the handwritten word “Delph.” However, judging by the condition of the plate (craze lines, the quality of the painting, and mild signs of wear) and the appearance of the markings on the back, I do believe this plate is quite old. The maritime scene is highly detailed, artistic, and intriguing, and it’s a great conversation piece to ponder.