Ceramic Wall Plaque Origin & Age

I purchased this plaque about 12 years ago and have not been able to find any info. I believe it dates from either late 19th or early 20th century (1st quarter) but those are guesses. Another guess is that it hails from Europe. I hope that someone knows what it is (other than decorative). Such as where it might have been produced, factory work or an individual artisan. The caly was molded using one's hands as can be seen on the back where finger prints are evident. At first I thought it was metal, but it is some clay product. Measure 11"w x 7 3/4"h x 7/8" at the thickest part. The clay is a dirty white or grayish color and appears to be low fire, the decoration is raised and painted in oils. The only markings I see are located top center written in pencil "Er" and under that 50 (can't make out the next character and then two numbers 113 and 103. The 103 has been crossed out. One reason I believe the piece is of europe origin is the style in which the numbers are written.
Any info would be appreciated.

thank you,
Eddie

 

Hi Eddie,welcome. Its plaster of paris decorative plaque,they were popular in the 40s-60s. Not terribly rare or valuable,especially with the paint loss. I think these were a hobbyist thing as well.

 

Thank you. I don't know why plaster never came to mind. The back kept me at clay and the ring when you flick it also kept me at clay. Now I know.
Didn't think it was $ valuable, but I like these old things.

Eddie

 

I remember similar plaster items that were sold as crafts. You mixed the plaster of paris with water and pressed it into a mold. Small containers of paint like the ones for paint by numbers were included. I did one with fruit and another with flowers for my mother when I was 8 or 9. I still have the fruit one. This would have been 1957 or 58.

 

"Artistic" commercially produced pieces like this (not that this one is) were particularly popular in the Midwest in the first half of the last century ............... think Ye Olde Artist's Shoppe" in/on "Main Street".

I have an (ugly) oval one featuring flowers with a partial label on the back, but I can't get to it right now.