Tag Archives: peerage brass plate

50s Retro, I love Lucy Props, Peerage Brass Co, Wall Plates

Brass plate at auction

This week on eBay I see a 9.5″ brass plate with a Desilu Studios label for  auction at http://www.ebay.com/itm/321854560509  with the title “Extremely Rare I LOVE LUCY Tavern Scene Brass Plate TV Show Prop w/Desilu Label”.   It is different from the plate we identified from the mantel of the I Love Lucy Connecticut house ( the tavern scene is similar but the border does not match). However there was a pair of smaller plates seen by a doorway that we had not identified. Thanks to Rick here are some screen captures of the smaller plates which have smooth borders so those are not a match either.brass chargers

The listing on ebay this week forbids use of their images but I found another listing on eBay  HERE that lists an identical plate – the plate on the left is of the same design as the one listed as a Desilu prop – here  are the pictures :england-elpeo-brass-plate2

england-elpeo-brass-plate

These plates were made by the ELPEC Company of England which was registered in 1919 by C E Pascal & P Lloyd. They made reproduction copper and brassware initially based on Belgian designs. The plates at auction may well be Desilu props but so far I have not found a match for them on the I Love Lucy show .

Previously we looked at a Peerage Brass Plate identical to one seen on the mantelpiece on the show as pictured below.  We also noticed that the brass plates used on the set were all mounted on a  circular wooden backing, likely to prevent the brass from rattling on the set.  Click HERE to see the previous post
peerage brass plate

I love Lucy Props, Peerage Brass Co

Lucy’s Peerage Brass Plates

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Brass plate on the mantel piece on the set of the Ricardo's Newport home
Brass plate on the mantel piece on the set of the Ricardo’s Newport home in a scene from “Building a BBQ”

Peter shares another great find with us (Thanks Pete!), this time it’s the matching brass plate that goes with the brass pitchers we looked at previously:

Peerage Brass Plate similar to one on I Love Lucy
Peerage Brass Plate similar to one on I Love Lucy

Peter writes: “The Peerage company also made the brass plates that can be seen in the Ricardo’s home when they move to the country. Two smaller ones (probably around 10″-12”) are found behind the door to the den, as seen in episode “Lucy Raises Chickens” when she and Ethel put the 500 chicks in there to keep warm. But most noticeable is the larger one that sits on top of the fireplace mantel. Close ups can be grabbed when she’s cleaning in thr early part of “Building A BBQ”. I was able to find the exact pattern and like the pitchers (which they placed on the mantel as well) are pretty inexpensive. Here’s a link to one currently for sale: Vintage Brass Wall Hanging Plate – Pub Scene – Made in England. They mounted it to a wood circle. I can’t seem to find any that include the wood plaque so I think the prop masters made them specifically for the plates. I might try and do it myself if I can find a wood circle that measures around 18″

As Peter mentions above the brass plates were mounted on a wood backing for use on set – this may have been a practical solution to prevent noise from the brass rattling on set as the actors moved about  – so if you want a similar look you may have to DIY or get a carpenter to make the backing boards.