I recently inherited a box full of pottery which was my aunts wedding present from her boss back in 1948. It was rarely if ever used and she left it to me to sell "to help my glass collection along". In the box along with a teapot, water pot, tea bowls, saucers and small cups is the lidded bowl (for sugar?)in the picture and a piece of paper which says "Masonware. Ironstone. c1800."
I've searched a bit to try to get some more detail and found some photos of Ironstone made by C.J.Mason in the 19th century but they are all rather more colourfull than this tea set. If anything what I have looks rather more like some Spode I found.
I'm also uncertain about the Greek Key gilding. Nothing I found has this, it looks a bit like it was added after manufacture as it doesn't seem to be part of the original design and looks quite strange painted over the chinese scenery. If that's so does it make the set valueless?
I was also suprised that there seems to be a huge amount of this sort of pottery around. Is the set collectable and of any value at all? It is in good condition. Lids, spouts and handles are intact. Apart from a few cracks and a bit of wear to the gilding it seems undamaged.
If anyone knows who made it and when I would appreciate any info. they have. Thanks.