Don't give up on finding replacements for mother's china
Q. I have enclosed a picture of a piece of my mother's china. Marked on the back of each dish is a lion above a crown and the words “Made in England — Royal Doulton — England — Bone China.” Several years ago, my daughter-in-law sent a picture of it to a china replacement firm, and they were not able to identify the pattern. Hoping you can help me with the name of the pattern, where I might look for additional dishes and when it was made. I only have 11 plates and 10 salad plates, and would love to have more. Also, I would like to know what the value is of my plates.
A. Royal Doulton and Company has been in business since 1853. They have made porcelain, earthenware and stoneware in Burslem, Staffordshire and Lambeth, London, England. It can be challenging to identify a pattern name. You can try contacting Royal Doulton and Company. Since it has been several years since you wrote to a replacements firm, try again. There is more than one replacement company. Check for names and addresses on the Internet and write to all you can find. It is important to include a detailed description, clear photos of the dish along with any marks on the back, including any numbers.
The mark you provided was used from 1928 to 1959. A replacement firm would probably sell individual dishes in the range of $45 to $55 each. A five-piece place setting would be available around $100 to $150.
Q. This mark is on the bottom of a vegetable bowl that I have in my possession. It was my mom's, and I have had it for about 50 years. It is decorated with a scene of a four-horse drawn coach. In the background are Tudor-style buildings, and in the foreground are trees and grass. The scene is made up of several shades of red with just a few patches of clouds. Included with the mark are the words “A Genuine Hand Engraving — Fine Staffordshire Ware With All Permanent Colours — Made in England.”
I would like to keep this in the family. I am wondering if it has any value besides sentimental.
A. The pattern of your vegetable dish is “Royal Mail,” and was made by Myott Son and Company. The firm was founded in 1875 in Staffordshire, England. This transfer-ware pattern was used to decorate a complete line of ironstone dinnerware. It was available in red, blue and brown.
Your vegetable dish is circa 1960 and would probably be worth $50 to $75.
• Address your questions to Anne McCollam, P.O. Box 247, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Items of a general interest will be answered in this column. Due to the volume of inquiries, she cannot answer individual letters.
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