Fabulous Pair of Antique Flow Blue Victorian Graduated Platters, "Dudley" Pattern, by Ford & Sons, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, Circa 1893-1908, Perfect for Display

I am continuing my effort to downsize, in advance of all our possessions having to go back into storage again in the next few months (the builders keep changing the dates!)

I have quite the selection of Blue and White and Willow Pattern items which I have collected over the years and used for buffets, afternoon teas, and for display on my kitchen dresser, (which I no longer have) but I have too much for my needs, and so this pair of Antique Flow Blue platters can now go!

For sale here is a Fabulous Pair of Antique Flow Blue Victorian Graduated Platters, “Dudley” Pattern, by Ford & Sons, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, Circa 1893-1908, Perfect for Display

Ford & Sons was a prominent earthenware manufacturer based in the Lower Manufactory, Newcastle Street, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, England, with origins dating back to the late 1860s (as Ford & Riley), and as Ford & Sons from 1893 until 1938. Operating out of the Newcastle Street Works, the company produced highly collectible Victorian and Art Deco ceramics, including flow blue patterns and ironstone china. The company was incorporated in 1908, and LTD was added to their backstamps from this time, so the backstamp on these platters date the pieces to between 1893 and 1908, so most definitely Antique (over 100 years old).

With its gorgeous, flowing blue colors and beautiful patterns, Flow Blue antique china is highly sought after by collectors around the globe. This classic china comes in a variety of patterns, some of which are extremely valuable.

Flow blue is a blue and white china pattern, but it differs from traditional Blue Willow and other crisp transferware designs. Instead, the blue design is intentionally a bit blurred, an effect that results from adding lime to the kiln as the piece was being fired. Historians disagree about whether this blurring was initially an accident or an intentional experiment, but either way, the look was very popular with consumers. Flow blue china was popular throughout the Victorian period, tapering off during World War I.

The larger platter of the pair measures 17 inches/ 43 cm by 12 inches/31 cm. It is very good Antique condition with no cracks or chips but just some age related crazing and discolouration, which is to be expected from a platter around 130 years old.

The smaller platter of the pair measures 14.75 inches/ 38 cm by 11 inches/ 28cm. This platter is in fair condition due to the presence of a small chip on the rim and underside as photographed. Still perfect for display, (and barely noticeable from the front) but the damage has been taken into account when pricing this antique and rare item.

Perfect for display on a kitchen dresser, this pair would also look amazingly fab as part of a blue and white/flow blue feature plate wall.

Priced as a pair and I would prefer them to stay as a pair, as they have been together for around 130 years!

I will have other willow pattern and blue and white items coming soon and recently listed, so check out my other ads and more coming soon! Discounts possible for multiple purchases!