Tuscan was the trading name/mark used by RH & SL Plant, operating out of the Tuscan Works in Longton.
Operations began in 1898 and in 1966 the company was acquired by Wedgwood and although the operations continued, they were now part of the Wedgwood Group.
Outstanding fine china cake server plate, quite an unusual design for the time period it was made (early 1900's) as the English pottery designs were dominated by very conservative patterns often incorporating flowers or subdued colouring. This design is for the modernist of the day (the "hip set"), we are talking pre-WWI, pre-Art Deco in the early 1900's.
The design is very contemporary, bold and yet still remains elegant. Even in our modern times, we used these Tuscan Blue's for a bit of fun with High Tea because they look classy and yet not "old fashioned" - the Blue fits into just about any colour theme too!
DLAT RATING (Darling, look at this!) 8/10
RH & SL Plant (TUSCAN) Cake Server Plate
1902 ~ 1910 estimated (based on the backstamp)
Translucent china/porcelain ware (you can see your fingers through the sides if held to the light)
Base is pure White
Size: (from handle to handle) 240mm
This pattern is identical to the teacup that I also have on offer
Solid Sky Blue overall colouring with no additional pattern, this Sky Blue appears to be a coating or layer.
Gold gilding applied to the top rim, side handles and central rim.
The green printed (under glaze) backstamp reads:
TUSCAN CHINA
(Wings pattern)
ENGLAND
COSMETIC CONDITION:
Condition - very good overall
Clean white base colouring china
NO chips
NO fleabites
NO cracks
Colouring is not so consistent however, the Sky Blue has a "wash like" effect, as though they didn't apply the blue colouring heavily enough before firing. It is not bad but you do notice it. In addition to this wash effect, there are the tiny white spots in a couple of places (described already with the saucers and teacups) which seem to be showing the base white china, like a "colour chip" - but make no mistake, there is no physical chip at all.
All Gold gilding is in excellent condition, even the side handles which often become worn first.
