Almost as if scripted, the rare “Norwalk” slipware plate that the Norwalk Historical Society (NHS) was unable to purchase after coming up a couple bids short at Skinner’s August 14 Americana auction has finally come home to the city where it was made and now resides in the society’s collection.

Celebrating the return of the plate this past Sunday, October 9, NHS hosted a reception that included not only the delivery of the rare pie plate, but also talks by various members of the community as well as a lectures by Norwalk pottery author and expert Ralph Bloom and Manhattan antiques dealer Gary Stradling.

The story began in August when Gail Wall, president of NHS, caught wind of the Skinner auction and mounted a charge to bring the rare slipware plate back to Norwalk. “We held a press conference just four days prior to the auction to request that the community get behind the society’s attempt to purchase the plate,” she said. The Smith pottery, where the plate was made 150-plus years ago, was once situated at the bottom of the hill below the society’s Mill Hill Historic Museum and Park.

“We received 43 pledges that amounted to over $5,000 in just four days and Mayor Knopp was generous enough to promise us matching funds for any monies that the society spent of our own coffers,” she said.

It did not prove to be enough, however, as bids for the plate rapidly bounced back and forth in Skinner’s auction gallery. The society executed a final bid of $16,000, only to be countered and have the lot claimed by New York City dealer Gary Stradling for $19,975, including premium.

While NHS lost its bid for the plate at the auction, the board of directors met with Ms Wall in the days following the sale and devised a new strategy to “bring the plate home.” After gaining information that the plate had been purchased by Mr Stradling for inventory, the NHS president was able to negotiate a price, raise additional funds and ultimately complete the purchase.

Moments prior to Sunday’s celebration, Gary and Diana Stradling entered the Town House in the Mill Hill Historic Park with a box in hand that contained the rare plate. Excitement ensued while it was unwrapped and the plate was then prominently displayed in the front of the room.

“We need to thank all of the patrons, the Norwalk Historical Commission and Mayor Alex Knopp. Without their financial help, returning this important piece of Norwalk history to its home would have never been possible,” stated Mrs Wall as the ceremonies came to an end.

NHS is planning an exhibition of Norwalk pottery early in 2006 that will include pieces from its own collection, the Norwalk Museum’s collection, and also privately owned examples. Anyone interested in loaning select examples for the exhibition should contact NHS, POB 335, Norwalk, 06851 CT; 203-846-0525, or Gail Wall directly at 203-847-4027.