These dishes were used extensively in 19th century homes in America. Redware was low-fired using local clay. Dishes were generally made by laying the damp clay over a mold. The thickness of the clay can vary from dish to dish. Redware was used in household cooking ovens and is often black from that use on the reverse. It is common to have flakes, and chips on the edge,and wear to the glaze. 

The redware plate shown is thicker than the usual redware plate. It measures 9" in diameter x 1 1/4" tall. The plate has minor edge flakes and a hairline on the front (not seen on the reverse). It was made about 1850.