Maker and age: On the reverse of this exquisite rectangular celery serving dish is the red decorator's backstamp number 9a of Elite Works, also known as Bawo & Dotter, one of the great Limoges firms at the turn of the last century. According to the third edition of the Collector's Encyclopedia of Limoges Porcelain by Mary Frank Gaston, this mark was in use between 1900 and 1914. The green white ware mark number 5, which came into use in 1900, also appears.

Design: The lightly scalloped pattern features bold pink cabbage roses and green leaves. The dish is trimmed in gold beading and beautifully hand painted, in keeping with the exceptionally high quality that made the company's porcelain so famous and so coveted.

Size: It's 12 1/2 inches long, 5 5/8 inches wide and 2 1/8 inches tall. It weighs 1 pound 5 ounces.

Condition: It's in excellent condition with no nicks, chips, cracks, scratches, stains, repairs, discoloration, crazing or wear. The rim on the reverse has darkened a bit.

Please check all the photos very carefully - they are an important part of the description.