Can you eat off old transfer plates?

Many people do use them for dining, provided the glaze remains intact and free from deep crazing. Acidic foods can sometimes react with damaged areas. Wash them by hand in warm soapy water rather than using a modern dishwasher. The harsh chemicals and heat changes will dull the surface.

I found a stack of these at a boot sale recently and I was wondering if the brown spots mean the clay has gone bad?

Those brown spots are known as foxing or rust. They appear when moisture penetrates through tiny cracks in the glaze, causing iron particles within the earthenware body to oxidise over time. It is a normal sign of age on porous nineteenth-century pottery. The clay hasn't failed, but you should keep the piece dry to prevent the staining from spreading further across the well.

Why are there marks on the back?

Most factory marks tell you who potted the dish and sometimes when. Impressed stamps into the wet clay often indicate earlier production, while printed marks became standard later on. English makers frequently included the pattern name alongside their initials. You often see a diamond registration mark which dates the specific design patent.

My grandmother always had one of these hanging on the wall with wire, does that kind of display cause any structural damage?

Wire hangers can chip the edges if they don't have protective sleeves or fit too tightly. The constant tension stresses older earthenware bodies over time.

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Antique Blue and White Plates

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Antique blue and white plates are ceramic dishes decorated with cobalt pigment applied under a clear glaze before firing. Originally produced in China, European potteries later adopted the technique to make everyday dinnerware and decorative display pieces for domestic households.