Rare c.1924 Empire Ware Felix the Cat Baby’s Plate

A delightful and genuinely rare piece of early 20th-century nursery ware, this Empire Ware Felix the Cat baby’s plate dates to around 1924, during the height of Felix’s global popularity as one of the world’s very first animated superstars.

The plate features a charming central illustration of Felix the Cat beside a fence, with the caption “Will you walk with Felix?”, while the rim is boldly inscribed “BABY’S PLATE” in black lettering. Produced in Staffordshire by Empire Ware, pieces like this were made for a short period and are now highly sought after by collectors of early cartoon memorabilia and antique nursery ceramics.

This is not just a baby’s plate — it’s a beautiful crossover collectible, sitting at the intersection of early animation history, English pottery, and childhood design.

✧ Details

• Maker: Empire Ware Ltd., Staffordshire, England
• Date: c.1924
• Pattern: Felix the Cat
• Material: Ceramic
• Original rim inscription: “BABY’S PLATE”
• Central caption: “Will you walk with Felix?”
• Diameter: approx. 16 cm

✧ Condition

In very good antique condition for age.

• No chips or cracks
• No crazing
• Light surface wear only, consistent with age and gentle use

✧ About the Maker

Empire Ware Ltd. was established in Staffordshire in 1896 and became well known for its quality tableware and decorative ceramics. Their nursery ware — particularly pieces featuring early cartoon characters — is now highly collectible, with Felix the Cat examples among the most desirable.

✧ Why We Love It

Felix the Cat was a true cultural phenomenon of the 1920s, predating Mickey Mouse and shaping early animation history. Pieces like this were made to be used, not preserved — which makes surviving examples especially scarce.