Before 'ROYAL' Doulton

Visiting with a friend at the Pirates Chest, the antiques mall where I recently purchased the fabulous chandelier for the dining room, I discovered a little stack of plates. Imperfect, somewhat primitive transferware. A little crazed and stained, but not chipped, obviously old. Creamy white with the prettiest blue-gray chrysanthemums.

You know the feeling. You're drawn to something, leave it behind, then think about it so often you just have to go back in hopes it's still there. I was intrigued by the back stamp on the plates, Doulton's Chrysanthemum Burslem.

They were still there, the price firm due to their age. I purchased three - they would work fine for decorative purposes, not going to eat off them because I fear their age means possible lead paint.

The Internet, ever the amazing education tool, took a lot of searching to discover more about Doulton prior to receiving the Royal Warrant from King Edward VII in 1901. A crown was added to the British lion and the classic brand name, Royal Doulton, became synonymous with the finest English china throughout the world.

In 1877, founder John Doulton's son Henry had bought a factory at Burslem in Stoke-on-Trent, a city known as 'The Potteries' and the home of English bone china. Other famous potters there were Wedgwood, Minton, Beswick and Royal Adderly. Henry Doulton's early success came from earthenware decorated in the limited colors available from lead glaze at that time, and it was then that he expanded into tableware. These, I believe, are what my dishes are so that would date them between 1877-1884 as after that period Doulton tableware changed from earthenware to bone china.

How amazing that household items such as easily broken dishes can last 125 years or more. These plates crossed the pond in the hold of a rolling ship, adorned a table perhaps in Boston or New York, then were carefully wrapped and brought South by road or railroad, to be used again and again until they crazed from hot water and daily handling. The stains on two of them look as if they were then used to hold potted plants. Whatever the history it is wonderful that they have lasted this long.

Next time you'll see that I'm on a blue-gray china roll...........I found something else when treasure hunting with another friend on Thursday............and I just love it!!!