Large Vintage (1960s) Gold Gilded Paragon "Belinda" English Bone China Teapot.

Please browse all 12 photographs for size, weight and condition as they are self explanatory.

Beautiful teapot in absolutely perfect condition and rarely used since original purchase over 50 years ago. Unfortunately we do not make use of it anymore and it has only been used as an ornament in a cabinet for many years. We have downsized as our children have grown up and left home and we simply go not have room for many things now.

I hope to find this teapot a good home.

Paragon Pottery was founded in 1897 by Herbert Aynsley & Hugh Irving with Headquarters at Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, England.

The Paragon China Company was a British manufacturer of bone china from 1919 to 1960, based in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, previously known as the Star China Company, and more recently part of the Royal Doulton group. Paragon was noted for producing high quality teaware and tableware, and was granted royal warrants of appointment by several members of the British Royal Family.

The Star China company was founded in 1897 as a partnership between Herbert Aynsley (great-grandson of the founder of Aynsley China) and Hugh Irving, trading until 1919, and using Paragon as a trade name from about 1900. In 1919, after Aynsley's retirement the company name was changed to Paragon China Company Limited. Irving's two sons subsequently became managing directors of the business.

In its early history the firm manufactured tea and breakfast wares, exporting to Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. However, in the 1930s, Paragon expanded both its market, to include the Americas, and its range of products to include dinnerware. Also at this time, Paragon began its move towards creating a smokeless factory, installing electric kilns.

The 1960s saw the company change hands several times and eventually becoming part of Royal Doulton. In 1989 Paragon name was taken over by Royal Albert.

The Paragon name has been retained, mainly with designs based on traditional floral patterns. Unfortunately the early Paragon pattern books are presumed lost, however the royal commemorative designs are still sought by collectors.

Royal warrants:

1926 - The Duchess of York (Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon) commissioned china for the nursery of Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II). This pattern is known as "Two for Joy", originating from the English number rhyme One for sorrow, Two for joy associated with magpies, and the legend that two magpies were seen at the christening of Princess Elizabeth.

1930 - The Duchess of York commissioned a tea service to mark the birth of Princess Margaret Rose (later Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon). This pattern also has two birds, as well as marguerite and rose flower designs, referring to the given names of the princess.

1933 - Queen Mary grants a Royal Warrant of Appointment

1937 - King George VI & Queen Elizabeth grants a royal warrant for the occasion of their coronation

1938 - Queen Elizabeth (the future Queen Mother) grants a Royal Warrant of Appointment

1953 - Queen Elizabeth II grants a Royal Warrant of Appointment