Mrs. Bones Research Library

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Welcome to the Mrs. Bones Research Library, where we document the history, provenance, identification, and collector information behind the vintage and antique treasures we discover. Each guide is independently researched using historical references, manufacturer information, collector resources, archival materials, museum collections, and period publications whenever available.

The Romantic Age of Steam Collector Plate Series

Edwin M. Knowles China Company

Artwork by R. E. Pierce

Research File No.: MBRL-2026-0007

Published: July 27, 2026

Last Updated: July 27, 2026

Research Confidence: 🟢 High

A Research & Provenance Brief

One of the most rewarding aspects of collecting commemorative and decorative collector plates is uncovering the stories they were created to preserve. While many collector plates are admired for their artistic beauty, others commemorate important moments in history, celebrate technological achievement, or honor the people and innovations that helped shape the modern world. Understanding these collectibles often requires careful examination of manufacturer markings, artist information, edition details, historical references, and collector resources to accurately place them within their historical context.

This Research Brief documents the research conducted by Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard on five original collector plates from The Romantic Age of Steam series, produced by the Edwin M. Knowles China Company and featuring the artwork of noted railroad artist R. E. Pierce. Each plate celebrates one of America's legendary locomotives or passenger trains, capturing the romance, engineering, and adventure of the steam era through detailed historical artwork.

Through examination of the manufacturer's markings, Bradex numbers, edition information, artist references, and railroad history resources, we sought to identify the collection, document its production history, and better understand the historical significance of the trains depicted.

Our goal is not simply to identify a series of collectible plates, but to preserve the stories behind the locomotives, the artwork, and the collectible series itself so that railroad enthusiasts, collectors, researchers, and future owners can better appreciate both the artistry and the remarkable history these plates commemorate.

Introduction

This Research & Provenance Guide documents the research conducted by Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard on a group of five original collector plates from The Romantic Age of Steam series, produced by the Edwin M. Knowles China Company and featuring artwork by renowned railroad artist R. E. Pierce.

Each plate celebrates an iconic American locomotive or passenger train that helped define the golden age of steam railroading. More than decorative collectibles, these plates serve as historical tributes to the engineering achievements, innovation, and romance of America's railroad heritage.

Our research focused on identifying the manufacturer, documenting the artist and collector series, examining the edition information and Bradex identification numbers, and exploring the historical significance of the locomotives and passenger trains portrayed. We also sought to distinguish documented historical facts from common misconceptions found in secondary market listings, providing collectors with a carefully researched reference for this series.

Although this guide focuses on a five-plate group acquired by Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard, it also documents the broader The Romantic Age of Steam collection so that collectors, railroad enthusiasts, researchers, and future owners can better understand the historical and artistic significance of these commemorative plates.

Research Summary

About Edwin M. Knowles China Company

The Edwin M. Knowles China Company traces its roots to Chester, West Virginia, where it became one of America's best-known manufacturers of fine china and decorative porcelain during the twentieth century. Although the company produced a wide range of dinnerware and giftware throughout its history, it later became especially recognized among collectors for its beautifully produced limited-edition collector plates.

Working with talented artists, historians, and licensing organizations, Knowles created collectible plate series celebrating American history, wildlife, holidays, transportation, military heritage, and fine art. These decorative editions were marketed to collectors rather than for everyday table service and often featured highly detailed artwork reproduced using advanced ceramic transfer techniques that preserved the original paintings with remarkable clarity.

Unlike traditional dinnerware, collector plates such as those in The Romantic Age of Steam series were intended solely for display. Each plate bears markings identifying it as a decorative art object and was produced as part of a limited-edition collecting program rather than an open-ended production line.

Today, Edwin M. Knowles collector plates remain popular with collectors because of their quality craftsmanship, respected artists, and the diverse historical subjects they commemorate. While market values have changed over the decades, the company's collector editions continue to be appreciated for their artistic merit, historical themes, and enduring display appeal.

About the Artist – R. E. Pierce

The artwork featured throughout The Romantic Age of Steam series was created by R. E. Pierce, an artist recognized for his detailed portrayals of historic American railroads and steam locomotives. His paintings combine careful historical research with dramatic composition, capturing not only the appearance of these legendary trains but also the excitement and grandeur of the era they represent.

Rather than depicting locomotives as isolated machines, Pierce often placed them within richly detailed landscapes, bustling stations, and dramatic natural settings that reflected the importance of rail transportation in American life. His attention to authentic locomotive details, period architecture, lighting, and atmosphere helped make his railroad artwork especially appealing to both train enthusiasts and collector plate buyers.

Through The Romantic Age of Steam series, Pierce's artwork introduced a new generation of collectors to some of America's most celebrated locomotives and passenger trains, preserving their stories in a format that could be enjoyed as both historical memorabilia and decorative art.

 The Romantic Age of Steam

For more than a century, steam locomotives transformed the American landscape, connecting growing cities, transporting goods across vast distances, and making cross-country travel faster and more accessible than ever before. Long before automobiles and commercial aviation became commonplace, the railroad served as the backbone of American commerce, industry, and passenger transportation.

The period commonly referred to as the "Romantic Age of Steam" evokes an era when powerful steam locomotives, elegant passenger trains, and grand railroad terminals represented both technological achievement and national progress. The sight of a steam locomotive pulling a gleaming passenger consist became one of the defining images of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century America.

Recognizing the enduring fascination with these historic railroads, the Edwin M. Knowles China Company created The Romantic Age of Steam collector plate series to celebrate some of the most iconic locomotives and passenger trains in American history. Through the artwork of R. E. Pierce, each plate captures not only the appearance of these legendary trains but also the excitement, craftsmanship, and spirit of an era when rail travel represented adventure, innovation, and opportunity.

Although the age of steam gradually gave way to diesel-electric locomotives during the mid-twentieth century, many of these famous trains remain deeply woven into America's transportation history. Museums, historical societies, preserved locomotives, and railroad enthusiasts continue to preserve their legacy, ensuring that the romance of steam railroading continues to inspire new generations of collectors and historians alike.

The Trains Featured in Our Collection

The five plates documented in this Research & Provenance Guide each commemorate a historically significant locomotive or passenger train whose story reflects a different chapter in the development of American rail transportation.

The Empire Builder (First Issue)

Introduced by the Great Northern Railway in 1929, the Empire Builder became one of America's premier long-distance passenger trains. Named in honor of railroad founder James J. Hill, the "Empire Builder" connected Chicago with Seattle, traversing the breathtaking landscapes of the northern United States, including Glacier National Park. Celebrated for its dependable service and luxurious accommodations, the Empire Builder remains one of the most iconic trains in American railroad history.

The Broadway Limited (Second Issue)

Introduced by the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1912, the Broadway Limited became one of America's premier luxury passenger trains. Operating between New York City and Chicago, it was renowned for its elegant accommodations, first-class service, and streamlined equipment, symbolizing the height of American passenger rail travel during the twentieth century.

The Crescent (Fifth Issue)

The Crescent traces its heritage to the Southern Railway and served as one of the South's most distinguished passenger trains. Connecting New York with New Orleans, it provided an important transportation link between the Northeast and the Deep South while becoming known for dependable service and Southern hospitality. The Crescent name continues today through Amtrak's modern passenger service.

The Jupiter (Seventh Issue)

The Central Pacific locomotive Jupiter occupies a unique place in American history as one of the locomotives present at Promontory Summit, Utah, during the driving of the Golden Spike on May 10, 1869. That ceremony marked the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad, forever changing travel and commerce across the United States. Reproductions of Jupiter continue to serve as enduring symbols of this historic achievement.

The Daylight (Eighth Issue)

The Southern Pacific Daylight became famous not only for its speed and comfort but also for its striking red, orange, and black livery, often described as one of the most beautiful passenger train color schemes ever created. Operating primarily along California's scenic coastline, the Daylight combined streamlined Art Deco styling with exceptional passenger service, making it one of the most recognizable trains of the steam era.

Understanding "Limited to 150 Firing Days"

One of the most frequently misunderstood markings found on collector plates is the phrase "Limited to 150 Firing Days." Many collectors mistakenly assume this means only 150 plates were produced. In reality, the phrase refers to the length of the manufacturing period rather than the total number of plates created.

In ceramic production, a firing is the process of placing decorated porcelain into a kiln, where high temperatures permanently fuse the artwork and glaze to the surface of the plate. Rather than assigning a fixed production quantity, many premium collector plate manufacturers—including the Edwin M. Knowles China Company—limited production to a specified number of days during which the plates could be fired.

Once the announced firing period ended, production of that particular issue was permanently discontinued. This manufacturing method helped assure collectors that the edition would not remain in continuous production, while allowing the manufacturer to meet collector demand during the authorized production period.

Each plate in The Romantic Age of Steam series was individually identified with its own Bradex number and issue designation, further distinguishing it within the overall collection. Together, these markings provide collectors with valuable information for identifying, cataloging, and verifying individual plates.

Although production was limited, the "150 firing days" designation should not be interpreted as a guarantee of rarity or future market value. As with most collectibles, present-day desirability depends upon factors such as condition, completeness of the series, historical interest, artwork, and current collector demand.

Identifying the Collection

The five plates documented in this Research & Provenance Guide share several characteristics that identify them as authentic examples from The Romantic Age of Steam collector plate series.

Each plate features:

• Original artwork by R. E. Pierce
• Production by the Edwin M. Knowles China Company
• Fine porcelain construction with a glazed finish
• Decorative gold-colored border surrounding the artwork
• Individual issue designation within the series
• Unique Bradex identification number
• Limited edition marking stating "Limited to 150 Firing Days"
• Manufacturer's backstamp and copyright information
• Decorative art object designation intended for display rather than food service

The examples researched by Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard include the following issues from the series:

• The General – First Issue
• The Broadway Limited – Second Issue
• The Crescent – Fifth Issue
• The Jupiter – Seventh Issue
• The Daylight – Eighth Issue

Although we researched five plates from the collection, additional issues were produced as part of the complete series. Collectors often enjoy assembling complete sets, while others seek individual plates featuring historically significant locomotives or favorite railroad lines.

Collector Interest

Collector plates experienced tremendous popularity during the latter half of the twentieth century, with manufacturers such as the Edwin M. Knowles China Company producing beautifully illustrated limited-edition series celebrating American history, transportation, wildlife, fine art, and military heritage. While the collector plate market has evolved over the years, historically themed series continue to attract enthusiasts who appreciate both the artwork and the stories these collectibles preserve.

The Romantic Age of Steam series appeals to several collecting interests simultaneously. Railroad enthusiasts value the accurate depictions of legendary locomotives and passenger trains, while collector plate enthusiasts appreciate the quality of Knowles porcelain and the detailed artwork created by R. E. Pierce. Many collectors also enjoy displaying railroad-themed artwork alongside model trains, railroad memorabilia, books, and historical photographs.

Collectors often seek:

• Railroad and transportation memorabilia
• Steam locomotive collectibles
• Edwin M. Knowles collector plates
• R. E. Pierce artwork
• Decorative railroad-themed home décor
• Limited-edition porcelain collector plates
• Americana and transportation history collectibles
• Companion plates to complete The Romantic Age of Steam series

Complete or nearly complete series are often especially desirable because they tell a broader historical story than individual plates alone. However, individual issues featuring particularly well-known locomotives or passenger trains are also collected by enthusiasts whose interests focus on specific railroads, historical events, or regions of the country.

As with most collectible ceramics, condition remains one of the most important factors affecting collector interest. Plates retaining their original vibrant artwork, clean porcelain surfaces, and undamaged edges are generally more desirable than examples showing chips, cracks, repairs, or excessive wear. Original boxes, certificates of authenticity, and accompanying documentation may also enhance collector appeal when still present, although many attractive examples continue to be enjoyed and displayed without their original packaging.

Research Sources

The following resources were consulted while researching this collector plate series, its manufacturer, the featured locomotives, and the historical background of the trains depicted.

Edwin M. Knowles China Company References

Manufacturer information, collector references, Bradex identification resources, and documented examples of The Romantic Age of Steam collector plate series.

Railroad Historical References

Historical publications and educational resources documenting the development of American steam railroads, passenger rail service, and the locomotives featured within this collection.

Smithsonian Institution

Historical collections and educational resources relating to American transportation, industrial history, and railroad development.

National Park Service

Historical information regarding transportation history and significant sites associated with American railroads.

Library of Congress

Historic photographs, railroad publications, transportation records, and archival materials relating to nineteenth- and twentieth-century American railroads.

Railroad Museums and Historical Societies

Reference materials documenting the history of the locomotives and passenger trains represented within this series.

Collector References

Research was supplemented through collector databases, auction archives, historical sales records, and documented examples from the secondary market to compare issue titles, Bradex numbers, manufacturer markings, and production information.

Examples include:

• WorthPoint
• Replacements, Ltd.
• LiveAuctioneers
• eBay Sold Listings

Additional Historical References

Research was further supported through railroad history books, transportation publications, museum archives, and educational resources documenting the evolution of American steam railroads and the enduring legacy of the locomotives featured within The Romantic Age of Steam collection.

Our Research Notes

One of the most interesting aspects of researching The Romantic Age of Steam collector plate series involved distinguishing the documented history of the series from the information commonly found in secondary market listings. While many online listings accurately identify the plate titles and manufacturer, details regarding production dates, edition markings, and the significance of the featured trains are often incomplete or presented without supporting historical context.

Our research began by examining the manufacturer backstamps, Bradex identification numbers, issue designations, and edition markings found on each of the five plates in our collection. From there, we compared those markings with collector references, documented examples, historical railroad resources, and information relating to the Edwin M. Knowles China Company and artist R. E. Pierce.

As our research progressed, it became clear that this series was designed to celebrate more than beautiful railroad artwork. Each plate honors a locomotive or passenger train that played an important role in the development of American transportation, from the historic Jupiter, present at the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad, to the legendary General, forever associated with the Great Locomotive Chase of the Civil War. Understanding the historical significance of these trains added an entirely new appreciation for the collection beyond its decorative appeal.

We also examined the edition statement "Limited to 150 Firing Days," a marking that is frequently misunderstood by collectors. Rather than indicating the total number of plates produced, this phrase refers to the period during which production was authorized, reflecting a manufacturing practice commonly used for limited-edition collector plates during the late twentieth century.

As with many collectible series produced during this period, complete manufacturer records documenting original production quantities and distribution remain limited. While we have identified this series and the five plates documented in this guide with a high degree of confidence, research into vintage collectibles continues to evolve as additional catalogs, distributor literature, advertisements, and archival materials become available. Should new verified information emerge, this Research & Provenance Guide will be updated accordingly.

Market values referenced by collectors and online marketplaces represent individual sales at specific points in time and should be viewed as historical information rather than fixed values. Actual market value depends upon condition, completeness, provenance, collector demand, and the marketplace in which an item is offered for sale.

Research Confidence

🟢 High

This Research & Provenance Guide is based upon documented manufacturer markings, Bradex identification numbers, edition statements, artist attribution, historical railroad references, transportation history resources, collector references, and documented examples of The Romantic Age of Steam collector plate series.

The identification of the manufacturer, artist, series title, individual plate issues, and the historical significance of the featured locomotives and passenger trains is supported by multiple independent sources. While complete manufacturer production records and original distribution documentation remain limited, the conclusions presented in this guide are supported with a high degree of confidence. As additional verified historical or manufacturer documentation becomes available, this guide will be updated to reflect new information.

About the Mrs. Bones Research Library

The Mrs. Bones Research Library is an ongoing project dedicated to documenting the history of vintage, antique, and collectible items acquired by Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard.

Rather than simply listing an item for sale, we believe each piece deserves to have its story preserved. Whenever possible, our research is based upon manufacturer documentation, museum collections, historical publications, archival records, collector references, railroad history resources, and other reputable sources.

Our goal is to create a growing historical archive that not only helps identify collectible objects but also preserves the stories of the people, companies, artists, and events behind them. Whether researching fine china, decorative art, historical memorabilia, transportation history, or other unique collectibles, we believe understanding an item's history enhances its appreciation for both collectors and future generations.

Know Something We Don't?

The Mrs. Bones Research Library is an ongoing historical research project.

If you own original Edwin M. Knowles catalogs, Bradex reference materials, railroad promotional literature, manufacturer documentation, or additional historical information relating to The Romantic Age of Steam collector plate series, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Historical research is always evolving, and we welcome verified information that may help expand or improve this guide for the benefit of collectors and researchers worldwide.

Explore more historical research and collector guides in the Mrs. Bones Research Library.

Find This Piece at Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard

The collector plates documented in this Research & Provenance Guide are part of the carefully curated collection at Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard. While availability is always subject to prior sale, collectors are encouraged to visit our online store to explore these historic railroad-themed collector plates along with our growing collection of vintage, antique, and collectible treasures.

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https://mrsbonescuriocupboard.com

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Because many of our items are one of a kind, this collection may sell before this Research & Provenance Guide is updated. Even if these particular plates have found new homes, we invite you to browse our current inventory and continue exploring the Mrs. Bones Research Library for additional historical research, collector resources, and the stories behind the treasures we discover.

Citation

Please cite this research as:

Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard Research Library. "The Romantic Age of Steam Collector Plate Series." Research Library No. MBRL-2026-0007. Published July 27, 2026. Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard Research Library. Available at:

https://mrsbonescuriocupboard.com/blogs/research-library/the-romantic-age-of-steam-collector-plate-series

Research Date: July 27, 2026

Research Library No.: MBRL-2026-0007

Research Confidence: 🟢 High

Confidence Statement

This Research & Provenance Guide is supported by documented manufacturer markings, Bradex identification numbers, edition statements, artist attribution, historical railroad references, transportation history publications, museum resources, collector references, and documented examples of The Romantic Age of Steam collector plate series. The identification of the manufacturer, artist, series title, edition information, and the historical significance of the featured locomotives and passenger trains is supported by multiple independent sources.

While complete Edwin M. Knowles production records and original distribution documentation remain limited, the conclusions presented in this guide are supported with a high degree of confidence based upon the evidence currently available. As additional verified historical documentation becomes available, this Research & Provenance Guide will be updated to reflect new information.

History is never truly finished.

The Mrs. Bones Research Library is a living archive. As new catalogs, factory records, advertisements, and verified historical documentation become available, this guide will be updated so future collectors can benefit from the most complete and accurate information possible.