Donald Zolan 'A Touch of Wonder' Collector Plate (Wonder of Childhood Series)
Pemberton & Oakes · Collectibles & Antiques > Collector Plates
Era / Decade
1983 (Vintage). Date determined by the 'A Touch of Wonder' series launch year common to Zolan's Pemberton & Oakes collaborations.
Material
Fine porcelain; features a gold-tone rim and high-glaze transfer-ware finish.
Condition
Good to Very Good. The front image remains vibrant with no visible chipping or cracks. However, the rim shows minor metallic wear/fading and there are visible surface scuffs on the bottom foot of the plate from storage.
Demand Level
Low to Niche. The collector plate market has significantly declined since the 1990s. Buyers are typically looking to replace a broken piece in an existing set or for specific sentimental reasons.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$5.00 - $15.00
Estimated Retail Value
$25.00 - $35.00 (Original 1980s retail price roughly equivalent to $60-$80 today).
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sold listings for this specific plate (without COA/box) range from $4.99 to $12.00 plus shipping. Complete sets with boxes occasionally reach $20.00.
Description
Lovely vintage 1983 Donald Zolan collector plate titled 'A Touch of Wonder' from the Wonder of Childhood series. This porcelain plate features Zolan's signature sentimental art style, depicting a young boy in a blue sweater gazing in awe at a monarch butterfly resting on a rock. The piece is signed in facsimile on the front and includes a metallic rim. Approximately 8.5 inches in diameter. Perfect for nursery decor or traditional plate collectors.
Key Features
Features the popular artwork of Donald Zolan, known for capturing 'childhood innocence'. Part of a specific, documented collection (Pemberton & Oakes). Excellent gift for butterfly lovers or as nostalgic decor.
Authenticity Indicators
Facsimile signature 'Zolan' visible on the front bottom left. The back (not shown but characteristic of this set) should contain the Pemberton & Oakes hallmark and plate number. High confidence in authenticity but low rarity.
Flaws to Note
Significant scuffing on the bottom base ring. Light surface scratches may be visible under harsh light. Missing the original box and Certificate of Authenticity (COA), which significantly impacts the top-end value.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform for reaching specific collectors searching for this model. Local platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Mercari are better for low-cost, quick sales to avoid high shipping fees relative to the item's value.
Selling Tips
To maximize profit, use keywords like 'Zolan', 'Porcelain', 'Nursery Decor', and 'Vintage 1983'. Photograph the back of the plate clearly to show the series info and plate number. Secure packaging is vital; use a 10x10x4 box with ample bubble wrap. Best sold as part of a bundle if you have other plates from the series.