A.T Finney & Sons Ltd owned the tradename DUCHESS and were based in Longton, Staffordshire
This side plate IS part of a trio of the same design, split up as we felt the individual pieces may be of more interest to someone - look HERE to see another piece of the same design
DLAT Rating 9/10 !!! (Darling Look At This!)
DUCHESS - Side Plate ONLY
Made in England
Circa period 1970's ~ 1980's ("Modern" China)
Fine White Bone China
Translucent, meaning if held to the light you can see your fingers through the china
Transferware decorated (assumed) because there are no artists marks on the base
Hand gold gilding applied
Predominantly purple flowers (which appear very much as though they are Viola's) alongside are which a few yellow with white petal "daisy like" flowers and lime green foliage. We know that DUCHESS did have a very similar design called VIOLETTA but that design is without the associated "daisy like" flowers.
The primary design on one side of the side plate with an opposite placed smaller design and another single Viola flower.
The design colouring is delicate, visually soft and yet very striking with the contrast between the artwork and the bright white background
Lightly scalloped rim
Gold gilding to the rim edge only
BACKSTAMP DETAILS:
Light Grey backstamp design strongly suggests this side plate was produced in the period 1970's ~ 1980's based on the Crown graphic placed at the top of the backstamp, very clean, simplified backstamp design, the words MADE IN ENGLAND and the use of transfers for all decoration except the guilding.
Light Grey colouring
EST (Simple graphic of a crown) 1888
DUCHESS
FINE BONE CHINA
MADE IN ENGLAND
There is no Artist nor Gold gilder's marks
COSMETIC CONDITION:
CLEAN
NO cracks
NO discolouration
NO crazing
Gilding is in excellent condition with no signs of handling or washing wear.
TWO small fleabites noticed underneath - no discolouration has occurred though.
Yes, this side plate is also a real "show pony"!
