Gillinder came to the United States in 1853 and worked for at time at the New England Glass Company in East Cambridge, Mass., making paperweights. He moved to such places as Pittsburgh and St. Louis before settling in Philadelphia in 1861.

Gillinder bought a glassworks there that he renamed the Franklin Flint Glass Works. He was joined by Edwin Bennett in 1863 and the company changed its name to Gillinder and Bennett. Then Gillinder's two sons, James and Frederick, joined the firm, which became Gillinder and Sons.

This historic plate was created to commemorate the death of President U.S. Grant in 1885. Examples are found in clear, amber, blue and the most sought after this canary/vaseline shade. In the center is a bust image of President Grant, surrounded by the words "Born April 27 1822" & "Died July 23 1885" and many tiny stars. The outer border is a continuous vertical circle of leaves with their points forming the outer rim design. In large letters is stated " Let Us Have Peace". The plate measures 10 1/4" across. There are no cracks or repairs; one leaf tip has a small chip on one of its points. Priced accordingly.