A rare impressed Maling plaque

Another rare marked plaque has been listed on eBay.  It belongs to the the same series as Jim A Long Josey on the Other pictorial plaques page. The language and non-PC caricatures will limit its appeal as a decorative item, and given its condition, the asking price seems very high.  That said, it is interesting to see a marked example.

Though the photo below is indistinct, the mark appears to read 'C. T. MALING'.  This would date it as post 1853.  These plaques are smaller than the Moore & Co plaques with similar scalloped corners.  Sometimes the corners on these smaller plaques are painted green – another feature associated with Maling plaques.

See the Poetic verses page for a similar shaped plaque stamped 'ROBERT MALING'.  

A word of caution though.  We know at least one other factory produced plaques of this shape and size.  See my April 11 posting for a similar plaque with the printed mark 'B. & Co.'.