Menu
Log in
Forgot password
Log in


Log in
Forgot password


Plate Upcycle Program

Do you have a box of Danish plates sitting in storage somewhere? The ones that used to shine on bedstemor's wall many years ago? These plates make wonderful heirlooms, but we understand that not everyone wants them or has the space to display them. Consider supporting our organization by donating your cherished plates towards our upcycle program. We accept donations of Danish Christmas, Mother's Day, Children's Day plates, and even figurines produced by Bing & Grøndahl and Royal Copenhagen. These plates are cleaned and displayed in our gift shop for visitors to purchase at low prices so they might add to or begin their own collections. 


We have upcycled and rehomed thousands of Danish plates over the last several years. The revenue generated from this program helps us with operating costs and our guests leave delighted to have added to their collection at an affordable price. Donating to us ensures that your collection finds a new home that will cherish and preserve these plates as their original owners had. In return, we will send you a receipt with the monetary value of the donation which can be tax deductible. 

Donating your Danish plates to us is a great way to honor the memories of their owners, support our organization's mission, and aide a new generation in forming their own collections. For more information, call 712-764-7472 or email us at info@danishwindmill.com. We are more than happy to work with you to find your plates the new, loving homes they deserve. We also accept back-issue Georg Jensen, Holmegaard, and other signature Danish brands on a case-by-case basis. 

*In accordance with current IRS tax law, any collection valued over $5,000.00 must be formally appraised by another entity before we can accept it. Please consult with us for more information.

NOTE: We do not purchase back issue plates. Sellers are welcome to utilize danishwindmill.com for price references, but we do not offer appraisal services.

Are you looking for more information about what you have? View the most common Danish collectibles we receive below:





Bing & Grøndahl Christmas Plates
The first Danish Christmas plate was produced by Bing & Grøndahl in 1895. Like Royal Copenhagen, a new Christmas plate design was produced for each subsequent year. Only a limited number were made. These plates are just over 7 inches in diameter and feature B&G's logo on the back. The year of the plate is written on the bottom as "Juleaften ____"

Royal Copenhagen Christmas Plates
The first Royal Copenhagen Christmas plate was in 1908. Like Bing & Grøndahl, a new Christmas plate design was produced for each subsequent year. Only a limited number were made. These plates are just over 7 inches in diameter and feature RC's logo on the back. The year of the plate is written on the bottom, but the location and style has changed throughout the years. 

*The easiest way to tell RC plates from BG plates without looking at the back is the border. Only RC plates have a solid border around the image. 

Bing & Grøndahl Mother's Day and Children's Day Plates
Bing & Grøndahl also produces Mother's Day and Children's Day plates. The first Mother's Day plate debuted in 1969 and features a cocker spaniel. Mother's Day plates typically depict various animals and their young. Mother's Day plates are about 6 inches in diameter and the year is listed at the bottom.

The Children's Day plate debuted in 1985. The plates usually depicted children in various scenes. The line was discontinued in 2024 with the final design, "The Young Chemist." The plates are 5 inches in diameter.

Plaquettes, Ornaments, and Figurines
Both Royal Copenhagen and Bing & Grøndahl have produced more than just plates. There is a wide variety of collectibles including figurines, ornaments, plaquettes, and more. Like the plates, most of these items are produced in one design per year. Most of these items are marked with their respective BG or RC logos. 

Plaquettes have been made every year since 1908 and are approximately 3 inches in diameter.

Other In-Kind Donations

We also accept other in-kind donations on a case-by-case basis including materials and labor for new projects or maintenance. Contact us for more information. 





The Danish Mill Corporation (d/b/a Danish Windmill) is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established in 1975. 

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software