In the early 19th Century there were at some point about 300 potteries in Staffordshire, which at the time was a major centre of porcelain industry in the world. This item is probably from one of the many excellent but completely forgotten factories who made use of capable decorators who would often move from factory to factory in search of work. This set would have been part of a large tea service.
This style was very popular in the 1820s; as the only lighting available in those days was candle light, you can imagine how the flickering light would have been reflected beautifully by the gilt patterns. The flowers have been painted by a very accomplished painter. CONDITION REPORT The set is in very good antique condition without any damage, crazing or repairs, just some light wear as visible in the pictures. Antique British porcelain is never perfect.
Kilns were fired on coal in the 1800s, and this meant that china from that period can have some firing specks from flying particles. British makers were also known for their experimentation, and sometimes this resulted in technically imperfect results. Due to the shrinkage in the kiln, items can have small firing lines or develop crazing over time, which should not be seen as damage but as an imperfection of the maker's recipes, probably unknown at the time of making. Items have often been used for many years and can have normal signs of wear, and gilt can have signs of slight disintegration even if never handled. I will reflect any damage, repairs, obvious stress marks, crazing or heavy wear in the item description but some minor scratches, nicks, stains and gilt disintegration can be normal for vintage items and need to be taken into account.
There is widespread confusion on the internet about the difference between chips and nicks, or hairlines and cracks. I will reflect any damage as truthfully as I can, i. A nick is a tiny bit of damage smaller than 1mm and a chip is something you can easily see with the eye; a glazing line is a break in the glazing only; hairline is extremely tight and/or superficial and not picked up by the finger; and a crack is obvious both to the eye and the finger.Etcetera - I try to be as accurate as I can and please feel free to ask questions or request more detailed pictures! DIMENSIONS (diameters) teacup 9.2cm (3.6"); coffee cup 7.6cm (3"); saucer 14.2cm (5.6). This item is in the category "Pottery & Glass\Cookware, Dinnerware & Serveware\Cup & Saucers". The seller is "rattlethecups" and is located in this country: GB. This item can be shipped worldwide.