Description

ROSENTHAL 1914 Christmas Plate Weihnnachten im Schützengraben Christmas in the Trenches is the title of this very special 1914 Rosenthal Christmas Plate, which commemorates the 1914 Christmas Armistice during World War One. To increase the morale of the troops, the German Emperor delivered thousands of Christmas trees to the troops fighting in the trenches on the front with France. Christmas carols were sung on both sides, and then soldiers from both sides crossed over to join their enemies for an unofficial Christmas Armistice. The troops exchanged food, showed the photos of the women left behind, and played football together. This plate shows 4 soldiers sitting around a small Christmas tree and sharing refreshment. This is NOT the standard Rosenthal Christmas plate for 1914, entitled CHRISTMAS SONG, which shows a cherub seated with a sheet of music, singing. Rosenthal made numerous plates in 1914 to commemorate the war effort, and this CHRISTMAS in the TRENCHES plate is one of them. I would appreciate hearing from any eBayers who know more about this. Hand painted under the glaze in shades of blue, with the central scene banded in gold. The pale blue border features pine cones and evergreen branches, and the inscription “Weihnnachten im Schützengraben 1914”. Porcelain, 8.25 inch diameter, with pierced foot for hanging wire. Artwork by Prof. Anton Hoffman; signed Rosenthal, Kunst-Abteilung (Art Department) SELB-BAVARIA . Rosenthal had several factories; this plate was made at the factory in the town of SELB in the German state of BAVARIA. EXCELLENT CONDITION (no chips, cracks, or repairs; and FIRST QUALITY (no scratch through the trademark). A very rare and unusual plate. SHIPPING, HANDLING & INSURANCE within the United States is just $9.95 for this eBay item. COMBINED SHIPPING! Except for a few LARGE or HEAVY items, shipping and insurance within United States is just $3 for each additional eBay item when shipped together, one of the cheapest combined shipping rates on eBay! For EBAY to apply the combined shipping discount, add the items to your eBay Shopping Cart and then pay for them at the same time. If you have already bought and paid for one item and want to purchase additional items, please email me so that I hold the first item and can adjust the invoice for the additional item(s). I can't combine shipping after the first item has already been shipped! PLEASE! Check out my other items including other Collector, Commemorative, Christmas and Mother's Day plates starting under $4.00 ! Be sure to add me to your favorites list ! Sign up for my eBay newsletter to keep informed of new listings and special offers! RETURNABLE! for a full refund if item not as described. Please ask your questions before bidding or buying. BUYERS OUTSIDE the US: International shipping is provided by eBay. For more information, including combined shipping for larger orders, please click on my username at the top right of the listing, and then “About”. eBay is not good at combining multiple items into a single international shipment and can overcharge for shipping. At your request, I can combine multiple items into a single eBay listing which will get you a lower international shipping charge. ROSENTHAL 1914 Christmas in the Trenches