While it is very rare to find a John Alcock "Cologne" pattern plate, it is even more rare to find one in the flow black color. I have never seen one before this one. I have seen blue and red, never one like this. Although it is not without its flaws as shown. A few rim chips and some light all over crazing. Approx. 7.5". A truly lovely piece of authentic Staffordhire pottery dating approx. 1850's.