Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a vintage porcelain collector plate featuring Norman Rockwell's classic illustration 'Shear Agony', originally painted for a 1930s Saturday Evening Post cover. Produced by the renowned Gorham China company in 1977, it captures a humorous, slice-of-life moment of a young boy getting a reluctant haircut on a summer day.
Story
First published as a Saturday Evening Post cover in 1933, this scene captures the universal childhood dread of the summer haircut. Rockwell used real neighbors as models to achieve his trademark warmth and humor.
Maker / Origin
While Norman Rockwell is the legendary artist behind the image, the plate itself was manufactured by Gorham, an American company founded in 1831 best known for its exceptional sterling silver and fine porcelain. During the 1970s collector plate boom, Gorham partnered with the Rockwell estate to translate his iconic illustrations onto high-quality china.
Condition & Value
The plate appears to be in excellent condition with no visible chips, cracks, or wear to the gold rim. The wire plate hanger currently attached should be used with caution, as tight metal springs can sometimes scratch the glaze or chip the edges over time. Excellent condition maintains the baseline value.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.