Henry and James Doulton purchased an interest in Pinder, Bourne & Co., in 1877. In 1882 the business was reconstituted under the name Doulton & Co., Burslem. The business was incorporated in 1899 as Doulton & Co. and Doulton was granted a Royal Warrant and right to use ‘Royal’ in the name of its products by King Edward VII in 1901.

This wonderful series ware transfer plate, circa 1900-1920, is entitled "The Jackdaw of Rheims. The Jackdaw of Rheims is an ancient medieval legend, very popular in a rhymed version by R.H. Barham. The story tells of a jackdaw who stole the Cardinal's precious ring during a pompous party. The Cardinal uttered a terrific curse against the unknown thief and consequently the jackdaw fell seriously ill. After the ring was found into the jackdaw's nest, the Cardinal withdrew the curse and the jackdaw recovered. So the jackdaw became really devote and when it was dead, it was made a Saint.

The plate is decorated in shaded hues of green, red, brown and gray. The plate measures 10 1/2" across and is stamped in brown with the Royal Doulton mark, circa 1902-1922. It is also faintly impressed "Doulton Burslem England", the pattern number D2532 as well as several other markings. There are no cracks, chips or repairs. Great decorator cabinet plate.