19th Century Sarreguemines Opaque Plate, Canons and Batterie - French Blue and White Earthenware

This fine earthenware plate from the French Sarreguemines manufactory belongs to the famous 'Opaque' series, produced in the late 19th century. It is a specimen of Lorraine ceramic production, decorated using the transferware technique.

Historical Context: The Sarreguemines factory was a benchmark in European ceramics. This humorous series satirically illustrates daily and military life of the period. The inscription 'Un certain nombre de Canons font une Batterie...' employs a pun: 'canon' refers to both a wine glass and an artillery piece, while 'batterie' alludes to both a military formation and a physical brawl.

Technical Details:
- Period: 19th Century (circa 1875-1900)
- Technique: Earthenware with blue and black transfer decoration
- Diameter: 20 cm (7.87 inches)
- Height: 2 cm (0.78 inches)
- Weight: 260 g (9.17 oz)
- Material: Earthenware (faience)

Condition and Conservation: The item shows significant signs of age and use. A hairline crack is visible on the reverse, extending towards the center and rim. There is a prominent dark oxidation stain on the upper right rim. The glaze exhibits crazing and small spots of yellowish pigmentation under the surface.

Collectible Value: A documentary piece of interest for collectors of Sarreguemines earthenware and fans of 19th-century French satirical illustration.