Grafton (and after 1949, Royal Grafton) was the trade name used by A. B. Jones & Sons (Ltd) with their works located at Longton, Stock-On-Trent England and they operated between 1900 ~ 1971
This is from one of our "dressed to impress" teaset trios - a true 'show pony'!
DLAT Rating: 10/10 (Darling, look at this!)
This is part of our Royal Grafton "fancy" collection which we have now decided some of which needs to find new, caring homes to live in! This Royal Grafton trio is being made available as separate items (or all together if someone doesn't previously purchase part of the trio)
To see the other ROYAL GRAFTON 6789 pieces which may still be available, take a look HERE
ROYAL GRAFTON - Teacup (1) ONLY
Royal Grafton is the tradename used by A.B. Jones & Sons Ltd
Circa 1936 ~ 1966 (based on the backstamp design) although we believe this trio left the works in the 1950's
Pattern: 6789
We never did find out the true name of this pattern and there was no way my wife would be referring to this Royal Grafton teaset trio as "Oh, that's my 6789!" so we decided to refer to this pattern as Grandiose or the Grand Grafton. Grandiose is a play on another pattern from Royal Grafton call Majestic, which has 'similar' colouring.
Translucent fine china, meaning that when it is held to the light you can easily see the shadow of your hand through the chinaware
Partially hand painted
The design is very 'visual', intended to be admired, looked at and perhaps lusted after! Base White china on the outside surface and handle, a soft Yellow wash inside the teacup with a band of contrasting Burgundy in the centre. Extensive use of Gold gilding and possibly leaf (?) and just to finish it off, small 'dabs' of lime Green inside the teacup. The brush artist didn't have a lot of work to do here, that is why I have stated this is partially hand painted.
Absolutely this is a 'show pony' for the occasional fancy tea occasion because with all the extensive decoration inside the teacup, it would quickly show wear if used often.
Think of this teacup as something like the Royal Crown jewels! Nice to look at but the Queen wouldn't have worn them to the Charity Ball!
Typical 'high back' handle design of this period and intended purpose, the handle loop is quite small - only ladies fingers will be able to hold this teacup correctly (don't forget to hold your "little pinky" out to the side!)
BACKSTAMP DETAILS:
Lime Green printed colouring is used for the backstamp
ROYAL
GRAFTON (with the extended hook in the G)
BONE CHINA
MADE IN
ENGLAND
Just below the backstamp is the pattern number (hand applied in Black) 6789
No discernable 'artist mark', we guess that just dabbing a little lime Green inside the teacup doesn't count as an "artist contribution"!
DIMENSIONS:
Mouth: 98mm diameter
Height: 60mm
COSMETIC CONDITION:
This is the REALLY IMPORTANT part! No good being a Show Pony if it hasn't had love and caring over the years.
CLEAN
NO cracks at all
NO chips at all
NO discolouration to the design, specifically the Yellow inner teacup and NO tannin stains in the bottom!
NO crazing observed, dry and wet checked
Gold gilding and patterning is in A1 condition, this means no observeable wear n tear from handling at all. The most susceptible areas to wear are the top rim and the handle (Gold gilding is applied to both sides and the back of the handle) All gilding looks to have been hand applied, that nice human touch - not perfect but beautiful to behold!
