Copper Plate

Casual listing to see if the creator is known.

Item Report – Copper Souvenir Plate, Virginia Beach

Description:
A decorative copper plate approximately 8 inches in diameter, featuring an embossed design of three dolphins on a green-painted background with the words "Virginia Beach" inscribed along the upper rim. The back of the plate is plain copper with a simple triangular wire hanger attached for wall display. No maker's marks or country of origin stamps are present.

Identification & History

This type of item is a souvenir wall plate, a popular collectible format from the mid-to-late 20th century, particularly the 1970s–1990s. The dolphin motif ties to Virginia Beach’s coastal identity, where dolphins are a frequent sight. These plates were commonly sold in seaside gift shops, often produced in small to medium batches by manufacturers specializing in tourist memorabilia.

While some copper souvenir plates were made domestically in the United States, many were imported from Turkey, India, or the Middle East during this era, then overpainted or customized locally for a specific tourist destination. The green painted background is typical of mid-century souvenir copperware.

Materials & Craftsmanship

• Medium: Copper, hand-embossed or stamped, with painted patina background.
• Technique: The dolphins appear to be stamped and then refined by hand tooling. The lettering may have been stenciled or hand-engraved.
• Finish: Painted green background with exposed copper for the figures and lettering.

Condition

• Front: Good condition overall; copper retains its luster, though with some mild oxidation visible in places. The painted background shows slight wear.
• Back: Copper oxidation/patina consistent with age. The wall hanger is functional but shows solder residue and wear.

Age Estimate

Based on style, manufacturing technique, and materials, this plate likely dates from the late 1980s to early 1990s

Market Value

Decorative souvenir copper plates have a modest resale market, primarily among collectors of nautical-themed items or Virginia Beach memorabilia

• Retail (antique/collectible shop): $15–$25 USD
• Online secondary market (eBay/Etsy): $10–$18 USD depending on condition and buyer demand.

Authentication

Without a maker’s mark or provenance, exact manufacturer identification is not possible, but the design and materials strongly align with mass-produced souvenir copperware from the late 20th century.

Recommendations

• Preservation: Keep in a dry, cool environment to prevent further oxidation. Avoid polishing with abrasive cleaners to retain patina, which can add character.
• Professional Appraisal: Not strictly necessary unless part of a larger, older, or artist-signed copperware collection.