Historical information

This plate was made by the Calyx Porcelain and Paint Company which was based in Western Australia and made china for commercial establishments from the 1920s to the 1990s when the company was then known as Australian Fine China. The plate was used by the Belfast and Koroit Steam Navigation Company based in Port Fairy. It was founded in 1882 and operated two ships, the Casino and the Bellinger, servicing the Western Ports between Melbourne and Portland. The Casino was wrecked at Apollo Bay in 1932. Later the company operated the ship, Dawn and survived as a shipping company until the late 1930s.

Significance

This plate is of interest because it was used by the Belfast and Koroit Steam Navigation Company in the 1920s and 30s. This company was important in the maritime history of Warrnambool, especially in the transportation of potatoes from the Warrnambool region. The Casino, the most important ship operated by the Belfast and Koroit Steam Navigation Company, was also important as a passenger and cargo ship prominent in Warrnambool’s maritime history

Physical description

This is a circular-shaped cream soup bowl or dinner plate. On the edge of the plate there is a blue embedded stamp in the shape of a circle with the flag of the steamship company inside. On the base of the plate is the maker’s information in green print. The base of the plate is much crazed and discoloured

Inscriptions & markings

‘Belfast & Koroit S.N. Co. Ltd.’
‘Made in Australia, Calyx, W.A.’