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.:  18,9 cm.  (7,4 inches.)
Weight: 230 grams.