This duo teaset has special significance because it was produced by Doulton under the restrictions of the British Wartime Concentration Scheme. During WWII and for a time after it was "over" in 1945, severe restrictions were placed upon English potteries. The British government wanted potteries to limit their "fancy" products, instead producing plain tablewares for those serving in The War. At the same time, this freed up staff in those potteries who themselves could join the war effort.
Even with the restrictions placed upon the English potters, Doulton managed to produce what remains to be an attractive (although quite simple) product for the home market.
DLAT Rating: 9/10 (Darling, look at this!)
ROYAL DOULTON - Teacup With Saucer
Available separately or as a duo (if both items remain available)
Opaque (you cannot see the shadow of your fingers when either piece is held to a bright light)
Pattern: D5533
Hand decorated
Looking very closely at the techniques used for the decoration, it is obviously hand painted and the artist used a combination of brush strokes and "dabs", colours are often overlaid such as around the foliage in particular.
Pleasing, happy Pink roses with Lime Green & Yellow foliage near the rim area in a continuous pattern. The inside of the teacup also has a small posy of the same Pink roses.
Both pieces have Gold gilding applied to the rim itself
Cream coloured china base
Royal Doulton backstamps can be difficult to accurately estimate the period of manufacture but this one is quite straightforward.
This printed mark was used by Royal Doulton during the period 1942 ~ 1952, specifically dated due to the A to the left of the crown, this denotes a product produced under the British Wartime Concentration Scheme.
Times were tough, life was very difficult for many during and after WWII - What could be better than a nice "cuppa o' tea" with the Doulton? Could you please boil the kettle, Pet?
BACKSTAMP DETAILS:
Makers mark printed on the base of the teacup (under the glaze)
Makers mark printed on the base of the saucer (under the glaze)
COSMETIC CONDITION:
USED
CLEAN
NO crazing - even using a "wet test" no crazing shows
NO cracks to either piece
NO discolouration to the Cream base colouring on either piece
NO tannin stains inside the teacup
NO chips to either piece
NO damage or wear to the hand decorations on either piece
Gold gilding to the top rim is substantially unworn
Possibly one small fleabite to the underside of the saucer, not sure about this ... I can see "something" but it is very small and can barely be felt with a finger rub.
Yes, there is light crazing in places but nothing dramatic. No complete breakdown of the glaze where bacteria gets under the glaze and creates spots or marks at all. I also "Wet Tested" both pieces and again, nothing severe shows.
Not bad at all for an 80+ year old girl!
NO fleabites
NO wear to the primary artwork nor the outer rim green decoration which is a little patchy but I believe this is the "hand crafted" nature of the decoration applied
SPECIAL DISCOUNT CODE: ROYALDOULTONAPRILTRIO
If someone was looking for the complete trio, select each of the 3 Royal Doulton teaset trio items and in the checkout area enter the special code ROYALDOULTONAPRILTRIO
This will deduct 30% off each of these Royal Doulton "April" items
