Mason's Ashworth Set of 8 Cup & Saucers 1891-1923 Patent Ironstone Green Silver
DESCRIPTION: This superb quality patent ironstone china has colors that are dark and vivid. The set of 8 cups & saucers is demitasse in size. The saucer is on a smooth rim blank of cream china. The cup is slightly flared, ribbed & embossed. The dark green paint is accented by the black floral design and black scrollwork. The most striking thing about this set is the extensive use of the silver paint which highlights the flowers, leaves and trim lines on the cup and saucer. In the photos, it is practically impossible to distinguish between the silver and the black paint so we have included 2 photos with partial labeling. The handles are hand painted green with silver trim on both sides. The inside of the handles are the background cream color.
CONDITION: While this set of 8 demitasse cups & saucers is classified as used, the condition is superb. There are no chips, nicks, cracks, rubbings or hairlines. See the photos. There is no wear to the paint. Light crazing is seen in the magnified photos, but does not distract from the beauty of the set. The 3 kiln post impressions can be seen on the back of the saucer.
DIMENSIONS: The saucers have a diameter of 4 3/4" with a height of 3/4". The cups have a diameter of 2 3/4" with a height of 2 3/16".
HISTORY/MARKS: Ironstone was first patented in 1813 by Charles James Mason. The Masons were a family of potters and had been developing a number of potting techniques at their works at Lane Delph, Fenton. The patent was No. 3724 was for a process for the "Improvement of the Manufacture of English Porcelain, IRONSTONE PATENT CHINA". This was a hardened durable earthenware made from Cornwall clay, ironstone slag, flint and blue oxide of cobalt. The initial patent was for 14 years and was not renewed. (However, the “Patent Ironstone China” notation is still used!) It has a very interesting history leading to G.L. Ashworth & Bros. (Ltd. after 1914) acquiring the business in 1860; the brothers were George Leach, James & Taylor. The company was acquired in 1884 by John Shaw Goddard and remained in the Goddard family until 1973 even though the name reverted to Mason’s Ironstone China, Ltd. in 1968. The company was purchased by Josiah Wedgwood & Sons, Ltd. in 1973 and continued to use the Mason’s brand name.
Please view all pictures carefully as they are part of the description. The stand was used as a photo prop and is not part of this listing.
We are fast and safe shippers offering FREE USPS PRIORITY MAIL SHIPPING WITHIN THE USA on this piece with insurance and tracking included.
For our INTERNATIONAL buyers, we offer buyer paid calculated rate USPS International shipping with insurance provided by the seller. See additional international policies below.
This is ready to use or display with pride in your home.
For USA shipping addresses, tracking and insurance are provided by the seller and we will ship by free Priority Mail for faster receipt. For International shipping addresses, insurance is provided (if possible to purchase) by the seller and the buyer pays for whichever shipping service is chosen plus any import duties, taxes, and charges. Thanks for your purchase!
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