Maker: This superb antique bowl is by the renowned English ceramics firm Minton. It has a rare blue variation of the earliest Minton globe mark, which was in use from 1863 to 1872.

Though the word Minton at the center is clear, other parts of the mark are worn and unclear. It appears to say "Early 18th Century" below the globe but that is subject to interpretation.

Design: The finely hand painted design of bold vivid flowers against a pale lavender floral background is pattern number 3115. The pattern number doesn't appear on this bowl but it does appear on another piece in this distinctive pattern - a creamer or milk jug. That piece has no Minton mark and is being sold separately.

Size: The bowl is 5 1/8 inches wide and 2 3/8 inches tall. It weighs 7.1 ounces.

Condition: It's in excellent condition for its age with no nicks, chips, cracks, stains, discoloration, repairs or significant wear. There is a bit of misplaced blue paint under the glaze on the inner edge; that's shown in the last photo.

Please check all the photos very carefully - they are an important part of the description.