This white plate is smaller and circular. It is completely plain with no design except for the maker's notation on the back. This reads " Mayer China" and is printed on with a green ink. The finish covering the whole plate is a shiny white.

The top of the plate is relatively new looking. There are some scratches from use, and a little discoloration around the outer edges. Also on those edges is a rougher texture at certain instances just from age. In the center of the plate is a small raised area that looks a little yellow with a black outline and is probably due to age and storage.

The bottom of the plate has heavier discoloration and texture along the rim that touches the table because it has been used by customers and handled by employees. There are two small tan/brown dots that are semi close to one another on the lip that curves up. The very edge of the plate has a sort of lip as the top of the plate bulges over and connects to the back for added ease to hold the plate. It is not a large lip, but does add a little dimension to an otherwise ordinary plate.

Paulina Franks' grandfather, John Rassogianis, came to Chicago in the 1890s. He began his life in the new city by peddling fruits and later, with the help of his sons Alex and George, would open a candy store. In the 1920s Paulina Franks' father Constantine became a part of the family business and the store was able to prosper. When the second business closed Paulina Rassogianis chose to hold as many of the candy store's items as possible and, later, donate them to the National Hellenic Museum.

The Rassogianis family began their candy business in Chicago proper, working out of their own shop named "St. Louis Ice Cream Parlor." Eventually, the shop was closed and the Rassogianis' chose to continue their candy store venture in Berwyn, Illinois. The new shop they chose to open was named Alex's Sweet Shop.

Paulina Franks' father was a key contributor to the success of the Rassogianis candy stores. While Constantine Rassogianis was a noteworthy entrepeneur, he also had many other accomplishments. Among these was his four years of involvment in the Greek national military during World War I wherein he obtained the rank of sergeant. Also, he was a published author and poet, an experienced mandolin player, a church officer and had extensive knowledge of psalti.

Mayer China Company, the company that made this plate, was founded in 1881 in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, by Joseph and Ernst Mayer. Originally called J&E Mayer, this china company mostly catered to restaraunt ware but also produced a retail line. Their products ranged from plain wares such as this plate, and ranged to highly detailed pieces used in high scale hotels and restaraunts. The company was later bought by Syracuse in 1984. In the early 1990's the former Mayers plant and another in Syracuse's holdings closed as they consolodated to one plant on Court Street in Canada.

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