French Country · Encyclopedia · Tableware, Kitchen and Decorative Objects
Oyster Plate
Plates with wells for oysters, made in French majolica, Limoges and Haviland porcelain.
Porcelain & Faience · Indicative US retail $40–$800
At a glance
- Family: Porcelain & Faience
- Periods most often found: Most date from 1870 to 1930.
- Typical price: about $150; range $40 to $800 and more for exceptional pieces
- What drives value: Maker, majolica colors, number of wells, sets
What it is
The oyster plate is a specialized dish with wells, usually six, shaped like oyster shells, often around a central well for lemon or sauce. French majolica oyster plates from Longchamp, Choisy-le-Roi, Sarreguemines and Orchies, and porcelain ones from Haviland and other Limoges makers, were made for the 19th-century passion for oysters. American and English makers also produced them.
How to identify and date it
Look for factory marks on the back: Longchamp, Haviland & Co., Choisy-le-Roi (HB), Sarreguemines. Majolica should have rich, glossy colored glazes; check for chips at the edges of the wells. Rare colors, shapes (turkey, fish, seaweed) and complete sets raise value.
Periods and styles
Most date from 1870 to 1930.
How much is it worth?
On the US retail market, most oyster plate examples ask around $150. Simple or worn pieces start near $40, while documented, signed or exceptional examples can pass $800. The main value drivers are: maker, majolica colors, number of wells, sets. These are indicative ranges, not an appraisal; see our price guide for French antiques for the method.
Questions buyers ask: how much are oyster plates worth. The answer depends on the points below, which are worth checking before you compare prices.
Before you buy
- Check marks
- Inspect rims
- Count wells
- Confirm sets
Living with it
A set of oyster plates displayed on a wall or used for a seafood feast is a delightful French tradition.
How we write these guides: identification notes are general guidance written by French Country; a style name, a region or a resemblance does not by itself date or attribute a piece. Price ranges are indicative US retail asking prices for antique and vintage examples in sound condition (dealers, specialist marketplaces and auctions), estimated and rounded as of November 2026; check recent sold results before relying on a figure. They are not appraisals or offers to buy or sell: condition, provenance and documentation can move a value far outside the range. For insurance, estates or sales, ask an independent, qualified appraiser for a written valuation.