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 teacup, quite unusual for the time period it was made 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!) 7/10
RH & SL Plant (TUSCAN) Teacup
1902 ~ 1910 estimated (based on the backstamp)
Translucent china/porcelain ware (you can see your fingers through the walls of the cup if held to the light)
Base is pure White
Solid Sky Blue overall colouring with no additional pattern, this Sky Blue appears to be a coating or layer.
Gold gilding applied to the base, handle (both sides) and top rim
The green printed (under glaze) backstamp reads:
TUSCAN CHINA
(Wings pattern)
ENGLAND
COSMETIC CONDITION:
As I have just one teacup left, these are over 100 years old, please ensure you read the description below.
Colour is a not so consistent Sky Blue with some areas "normal" and others where the Sky Blue is slightly lighter or darker and there are also a couple of little White spots where the Sky Blue outer colouring has been "knocked" showing the white base china colouring. Something like a "colour chip" - the china is NOT chipped though!
Inner cup is clean and white - no discolouration at all
Gold gilding top rim and bottom are excellent. The handle has light~medium wear showing to the gilding on the sides of the handle (from previous people holding the cup)
NO chips
NO fleabites
NO cracks
Overall, I get the impression that the Sky Blue colouring has never been consistent as it appears they were manufactured with these inconsistencies (similar to a wash effect) - I can even see a splash or two of the Sky Blue right at the base (Woops, a slip of the hand?)
