We had/still have a LOT of English teaware, these made for years of special occasion enjoyment for us.
What is often overlooked, but come into their own especially for a small High Tea setting where it was not necessary to have a 'tiered cake stand' - this James Kent large cake plate with original cake serving knife was partcularly suitable for such occasions.
Old Foley is the pottery works used by James Kent Ltd for the production of these two items.
This backstamp was in use from 1955 onwards, we have always considered this to be from around the 1970's though.
JAMES KENT LTD - Large cake serving plate with matching spatula
Circa 1955+ (Backstamp identified)
Bright white smooth porcelain with a high lustre
Gold gilding to the rim of the plate and on each side of the spatula handle
Transferware application of the decoration
Design name is unknown and could not be identified but it consists of simple single stem cut rose of a yellow/pink colour - the top bud is almost fully open but the lower buds remain closed.
Compared to the other (many of them) designs from James Kent, this design is simplistic and "uncrowded", some other James Kent is so 'crowded' with decorative artwork that it can confuse the eyes!
Note the design is only near the scalloped edges, sensible when you think about it - once the cake is in place you would not see the central area of the plate in any case.
Plate measures 11 inches diameter (280mm)
Spatula measures 9.5 inches (240mm) length x almost 2.5 inches (60mm) wide - plenty large enough for a decent slice of cake!
The plate is particularly thick and heavy at over 700g
BACKSTAMP DETAILS:
Old Foley (Pale Blue)
(Black)
JAMES KENT LTD
STAFFORDSHIRE
ENGLAND
COSMETIC CONDITION:
Plate: Very Good (but not perfect)
A couple of light knife marks in the glaze from previous useage
Decoration shows practically no damage at all, colours still vibrant
Gold gilding around the scalloped rim does have some light handling wear, on a scale of 10 I would rate the gold gilding condition as 8/10
NO chips
NO cracks
Two fleabites, one much larger than the other, on the underside
White lump of 'something' near the central underside area, I have not attempted to remove this.
Spatula: Very Good (but also not perfect)
NO useage marks top or underneath
Decoration shows practically no damage at all
Heavy gold gilding on the handle is (on a scale of 10) 10/10
NO cracks
NO chips
Three small marks or fleabites on the UNDERSIDE of the spatula
