English Childs 30 Piece Dolls Dinner Service ~ COPELAND HEARTS late Spode c1860

Dolls Dinner Service

COPELAND HEARTS

Late Spode ~ Staffordshire, England c. 1860-75

This is a wonderful miniature child's dinner set, circa 1860. It is decorated in along the rim in a dark brown trailing vine of trillium or heart shaped three lobed flowers. In Doris Lechler's book `English Toy Dishes', the pattern is referred to as COPELAND HEARTS.

The pieces are perfect miniature replicas of an adult-sized tea service made in similar transferware patterns. The oval serving pieces have moulded handles and finials. The set includes:

~ 2 SAUCE TUREENS with LID & TRAY, 4 1/2" long, 3 1/2" tall ~ 2 VEGE TUREENS with LIDS ~ 2 OPEN VEGE TUREENS ~ 4 GRADUATED PLATTERS 4 1/2 – 6 1/2" long ~ MASTER SALT or COMPORT 1 3/8" tall, 3" across ~ 4 DINNER PLATES 4" ~ 6 SOUP PLATES 4" ~ 6 LUNCHEON PLATES 3 1/2" and ~ SPARE UNDER TRAY 5 3/4" long

The set was made by W.T. Copeland (late Spode), a pottery manufactory in the Staffordshire region of England in the mid-to-late19th century which was (and still is) well known for its fine transfer printed ceramics. The set has the `feel' of an especially fine soft paste earthenware.

The set is in great condition especially considering it has been well played with by generations of children. There is rubbing on the rims of one or two pieces, a hairline inside one of the open veges and no other chips cracks repairs. The set has stilt marks and a few of the typical minor manufacturing firing imperfections found in children's wares of this era, original to the making, adding to the authenticity and the naive charm.

Copeland's miniature tea sets and early toy table wares are hard to find. This set will make a stunning addition to any collection of children's dishes, and would also make a fantastic and unique doll house accessory. The pattern makes splendid gift for the child botanist in your life! We have also listed other early toy table and tea wares. Mix and match for a lovely display!

Item ID: AA1718