An image of family life on a deserted island is presented like something from a Victorian cabinet card in "Crusoe and His Pets." The eight inch plate is the largest offered in Brownhills ABC series wares.  The Crusoe series is executed in brown transfer on a contrasting ivory blank with polychrome highlights in ochre, blue and green.  

For those familiar with the story, Crusoe actually caught and tamed a parrot as opposed to the cockatoo featured here, eventually teaching him to talk --- for dinner company prior to the advent of Friday.  We also like Crusoe's tabby cat --- who seems to be  more interested in the dog than the viewer. 

The registry number indicates an 1887 introduction while the "England" notation indicates 1890's production. Brownhills production runs l872 to l896.

"Crusoe and His Pets" was derived from a scene by Victorian artist and illustrator John Gilbert in 1860 (or earlier).  "Robinson Crusoe: Juvenile and ABC Plates" is the February 2012 featured item of the "Seekers Journal."  In the original illustration, Gilbert thoughtfully provided Crusoe with a stylish plate rail over his right shoulder -- eliminated by the Brownhills engraver.