Historical information

This "outdoor" dinner plate was made in Hong Kong and is therefore dated well after World War II. It was imported from Hong Kong at the beginning of the start of the great Asian influx of cheap household/camping kitchen and dinner plates(1960's onward). It is also during the time before stronger and more resilient plastic "camper" goods. It was at the start of the city based outdoor campers Australian bush adventure holidays.

Significance

This plate is very significant to the High Plains cattlemen of the Victorian Alpine Region. Because of its unbreakable and easy to clean qualities this type of plate and associate mugs where a necessity for overnight workers and campers in the upper Kiewa Valley and its high plains regions. The Kiewa Valley has small township centres and to survive in the Australian bush high country environment camp-side fires and meals required sturdy utensils and plates.

Physical description

This yellow enameled tin soup/salad/dinner plate has a green boarded rim and can hold a variety of different meals. This plate is sturdy enough for any outdoor activity and was used by campers and cattlemen.

Inscriptions & markings

Stamped on the bottom base " made in Hong Kong 24 cm E MELLING CO LTD"