Sputnik. Blue & White Royal Delft Space Travel Plate - 4 October 1957

The tin glazed earthenware plate decorated in shades of blue with a satellite above the earth between the moon and stars and the text:
DE EERSTE AARDSATELLIET GELANCEERD
4 OKTOBER 1957 (First earth satellite launched.)
The rim with stylized flowers and leaves.
Signed on the back in underglaze blue for:
DE PORCELEYNE FLES - ROYAL DELFT
DELFT  -  HOLLAND  &  CC = 1958
Painter’s initials: WtH = W.M.G. ten Hacken
Employment dates: 1939 - 1984   
Literature:
This plate is not shown in Rick Erickson - Royal Delft. 
Only listed on Page 130 in Commemorative Plates.

Diam.:  18,5 cm.  (7,3 inches.)       
Weight: 207 grams.