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 anyers 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 item.
COMBINED SHIPPING! Except for a few LARGE or HEAVY items, shipping and insurance within United States is just $3 for each additional item when shipped together, one of the cheapest combined shipping rates !
PLEASE! Check out my other items including other Collector, Commemorative, Christmas and Mother's Day plates starting under $4.00!
RETURNABLE! for a full refund if item not as described. Please ask your questions before bidding or buying.
ROSENTHAL 1914 Christmas in the Trenches