Villeroy & Boch Mettlach Shell Shaped Dish, White and Red Ceramic, Circa 1900

Shell-shaped serving dish or appetizer plate produced by the prestigious Villeroy & Boch manufactory in Mettlach. This piece features a classic coquille design with radial relief and decorative details.

History: The item bears the green underglaze stamp with Mercury's winged helmet, a mark used for Mettlach production between 1874 and 1909. The Mettlach factory was pivotal in European ceramic innovation.

Technical details:
- Period: Circa 1900 (1874-1909)
- Technique: Glazed fine earthenware with hand-painted rims
- Dimensions: Length 24 cm (9.45 in), Width 14 cm (5.51 in), Height 3.5 cm (1.38 in)
- Weight: 295 g (10.4 oz)
- Material: Ceramic (faience)
- Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Original glaze luster preserved; minimal signs of age on the base. No cracks or restorations.

Value: Of particular interest to Mettlach ceramic collectors and for period-accurate table settings.