French Limoges Set of 8 Double Eggcups c 1870 -1890

536/RL-210

This is a set of eight 19th century French Limoges eggcups or egg cups. The age is circa 1870 to 1890.

The set is unmarked because there is no place to place a factory mark on a double eggcup since all sides are used. A few of the pieces have a tiny red hand enameled number inside the hollow of the smaller cup.

The double eggcup is called an “American egg cup.” Either end can be used to hold an egg, either smaller or bigger. You can view similar egg cups to these ones in the exact same shape, but a different pattern, in the book “Haviland China The Age of Elegance,” by Nora Travis on page 84, Figure 159. The egg cups shown in Mrs. Travis’ book are made by Haviland & Co.

Each eggcup is 3 5/8” high, 2 ½” wide at the top, and 1 ¾” wide at the bottom.

The pattern is a lithograph transfer with the colors added by hand at the factory. The flowers appear to be different colored wild roses, because the vines have thorns. The colors used are blue, gray, pink, lavender, brown and orange. The pattern placement is slightly different on each piece.

The bottoms show a gold design. There is gold trim around the edges and another thin gold line around the interior of each rim.

There are no chips, cracks or crazing. There is some gold rubbing wear due to age.

The set of eggcups is from the estate of Jonathan Steele.