Child’s 38-Piece Green ‘Souvenir’ Dinner Service, c 1830, William Ridgway, Miniature Pearlware

Reference:  1) Doris Lechler, ‘English Toy China,’ Figure #261, pp 82, 213-214.   2) Maurice and Evelyn Milbourn, ‘Understanding Miniature British Pottery & Porcelain,’ Figure 136, p 112. “…a large central urn with two children on each side, those on the left with a globe and reading a book, while those on the right are in rags with discarded irons at their feet; the border is of scrolls, trellis and flowers.”

This is a scarce child’s miniature 38-piece Dinner Service in a pattern named ‘Souvenir’ in green transfer with a light pearlware glaze.  This pattern was produced in adult dishes as well as for children by William Ridgway & Co., Shelton, Hanley, Staffordshire, England, c 1830.  The subject matter of this pattern has caused debate as to the exact meaning or symbolism, and to add to the confusion is sometimes called Learning Lessons.  All the pieces in this set are finely and well potted; the serving pieces have detailed handles and the edges on the serving pieces and plates are delicately scalloped; the Ladle handle has intricate details; and the transfers on this set are outstanding.

This child’s miniature 38-Piece Dinner Service consists of:

(1)   Large Tureen with Lid & Ladle:  5: W x 3.5” D x 3.75” H

       There is a tiny, but stable firing crack to the handle on the Lid.

       There are a couple of glaze skips.

       Ladle:  Bowl 1.5” Diameter x 5.25” Long

(2)   Small Tureens with Lids:  3.75” W x 2.5” D x 2.75” H

       There is an inner hairline and inner edge chip to one Lid.

(1)   Large Open Vegetable with Handles:  4.875” W x 3.675” D x .75” H

(2)   Pie Dishes:  4.25” W x 3.5” D x .675” H

       Underside .25” edge hairline on one.

(1)   Saladierre:  3.5” W x 2.125” H

(1)   Sauce Boat:  3.375” W x 2.25” D x 2.25” H

(2)   Pickle Dishes:  2.875” W x 2.25” D x .5” H

(1)   Platter:  4.875” W x 3.875” D

(2)   Platters:  4.25” W x 3.375” D

Plates:

(6)   Dinner Plates:  3.75” W

(5)   Salad Plates:  3.125” W

(8)   Bread/Dessert Plates:  2.625” W

(5)   Soup Bowls:  3.75” W

Please pardon the white glare reflections in the photos.  This rare child’s dinner service has been played with and cherished by a child and is in excellent condition, with the exceptions noted above.  Crazing, stilt marks, and additional minor typical firing imperfections sporadically appear consistent with age.  Presented as is and as found.

A large inventory of Antique miniature and children’s porcelain and pottery dishes which includes tea, dinner, and dessert sets, and accessories exists.   Treasures are being added all the time as we are buyers through fine estate and auction sales.  Please feel free to contact us if you are looking for something specific to complete or add to your collection as many items are available but not displayed.

Sizes are Approximate.

Your purchase will be shipped within 1 day of receipt of payment.

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