Wedgwood Jasperware Coelacanth Plate

This unusual Wedgwood Jasperware plate was made to commemorate the discovery of the Coelacanth.

The Coelacanth (pronounced SEEL-uh-kanth) was believed to have been extinct for more than 65 million years. Scientists were amazed when a South African museum curator discovered the first modern coelacanth in 1938 among the catch of a local angler.

The plate is the traditional Wedgwood blue, with the detailed white relief for which Wedgwood is famous. 

The back of the plate shows the Wedgwood markings, as well as some information about the event it commemorates:

"The first world famous Coelacanth, LATIMERIA CHALUMNAE, 5 feet long, captured in local waters 22nd December 1938. Type specimen exhibited in the East London Museum, South Africa."

The plate is approximately 16cm in diameter.

The plate is in perfect condition, with no cracks or chips. It was apparently made in 1958.

I also have numerous other Wedgwood commemorative plates for sale - please contact me if you are interested in finding out more.