Item 22
This is a charming piece of early 20th-century billiard Americana. Souvenir plates like this were often commissioned by high-traffic pool parlors in the early 1900s as promotional items or commemorative gifts for regular patrons, making them excellent “crossover” collectibles for both billiard enthusiasts and antique porcelain collectors.
Specifications & Condition
Origin: Milo’s Pool Parlor on back. Wichita Kansas Dated 11905
Era: Circa 1905
Size: 10″ diameter
Condition: Features a few small dings, which are consistent with an authentic souvenir piece of this age.
Historical Context
By 1905, the “Pool Parlor” had become a staple of American social life. Establishments like Milo’s would often use decorative items to elevate their brand and distinguish themselves from the rougher “pool rooms” of the mid-19th century. A 10-inch plate was a substantial size, likely intended for display on a plate rail or in a glass-front cabinet within the parlor itself or a patron’s home.
Collector’s Appeal
Ephemera Value: Unlike cues or tables, parlor-specific souvenirs are unique to a single location, making them rare snapshots of local history.
Aesthetic: Even with “small dings,” the wear on the plate adds a layer of character that tells the story of its 120-year history. It serves as a perfect companion piece for a period-correct game room or a collection of billiard-related ephemera.
Please call for more information regarding this 1905 Milo’s Pool Parlor souvenir plate.
