Preliminary identification

Scammell Lamberton Ivory China Small Tray, c. 1923-1954

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

A refined piece of American vitrified china featuring a warm ivory glaze and gold-tone floral transfers on a scalloped rectangular form.

Story

Trenton, New Jersey, was once known as the 'Staffordshire of America,' a bustling industrial heart where the world's finest hotel ware was born.

Maker / Origin

The Scammell brothers took over the Maddock Pottery Company in 1923, quickly establishing themselves as the gold standard for 'Hotel Ware.'

Condition & Value

The piece shows well with the green backstamp clearly legible. There appears to be some light thinning or 'rubbing' to the gold transfers, which is typical for pieces of this age that have been handled.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

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.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD