I have some exciting news about my little English china dish! I submitted a photo of the mark to Figurines-Sculpture.com and asked if they could identify the maker. I received this very exciting reply today:"Hi Amy,
"Thanks for your interesting question about the mystery pottery mark shown in the above photo. A clear photo like that always makes identification easier.
"The mark is one I am pleased to be able to identify as that of Samuel Radford Ltd, a Staffordshire maker of good quality producing fine china between 1879 and 1957. They were originally a Longton maker, then in 1885, moved to Fenton.
"You are right in saying your mark was an early mark dating from c1880 to c1913, so you have a very accurate date for your wares. After about 1913, the firm developed a new pottery mark called "Radfordian", and developed at least 10 or so different pottery marks, some using the S.R. initials in various fonts, and some using the Radfordian back mark.
"If you go to my China Replacement page and follow the tips on how to search efficiently online, you will find some wares from the same maker. Be aware of sellers who are not properly flagging up the quality and rarity of Samuel Radford Ltd wares. Having gone out of business in 1957 makes Radford China relatively rare. Be careful not to mistake Samuel Radford with other makers with a similar name. They are:-
"RADFORD (signature on printed ware)- Relates to engraver Thomas Radford.
E. RADFORD - Relates to H.J. Wood Ltd
G. RADFORD - Relates to Radford Handcraft Pottery
"I am not a china expert by any means, just an artisan within the industry, however, I always pass on any information I have for free and publish it for all to benefit from. You can use my in-house search engine located on the home page (and on many other main pages) to check for answers to any other queries you may have.My own knowledge more centered on famous English china makers, but all queries are welcome.I give general tips on pottery marks here (my own page)."
Now I have to research this dish some more and find out its value! What if I'm holding onto a china dish that worth $1,000? Then what?
I think that little dish was a gift to my grandma. It stands out like a sore thumb amongst her things. I seriously doubt she would have chosen it herself. But it's certainly becoming a very interesting piece! Stay tuned...
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Yay! Great news!
ReplyDeleteJanice
Janice, yes it is! Unfortunately, this piece is so "rare" that I can't find another one like it and therefore have no way of estimating a value. I found a plate with a similar pattern named "Imari" but it had some green around the rim which isn't present on my dish. So I don't know if it's a match or not.
ReplyDeleteWell, "Imari" is a multicolored Japanese porcelain usually characterized by elaborate floral designs..while yours has elaborate designs we know it is from England, so the term "Imari" might not apply. Perhaps Staffordshire? I don't know. I know more about items made in the US, anyway.
ReplyDeleteJanice
Good point Janice. Imari doesn't sound very English does it? I posted a follow up to my original request for information here: http://www.figurines-sculpture.com/samuel-radford-china-dish-the-rest-of-the-story.html I hope someone with a similar pattern will chime in and tell me its name. I can't find much about Staffordshire. It's going to take some time to ID this one I think!
ReplyDeleteSee, I knew I had good taste! Have you taped that box shut yet? There might be jussst enough room for a smallish dish in there! :)
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you found out about your little dish! It is always so fun to research and discover something like this. Blessings,Kathleen
ReplyDeleteRoyal Crown Derby made the most wonderful Imari designs. They are valuable pieces.
ReplyDeleteIt's Imari Oriental by Samuel Radford. My granny had this set in Ireland, she had received it as a wedding gift and it was old when she got it. Unfortunately, when she died, my aunt used it for everyday and ruined most of it. I'm trying to replicate the set as best I can. If you're ever interested in selling, please let me know. Cheers!
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