'Villa' cartouche pottery mark - Blue transferware

by Julian
(UK)

'Villa' cartouche pottery mark - Blue transferware:- Great website! Okay, so my mother inherited this piece of blue transferware. I am not sure what it even is (cake plate? raised platter?). The only mark on the base seems to say "Villa" (transfer not impression).

I don't know whether this is a pattern name, or refers to the maker, or perhaps the pottery (Villa Potteries in staffordshire?). All I know is that it looks old (1830-1840 if I was to guess).

Any suggestions much appreciated.

Julian

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Peter (admin) says:-

Julian

Many thanks for your kind words. There is only one Villa Pottery in Staffordshire in my records, and that was associated with Wood, Son & Co of Cobridge 1869 - 1879. It is clearly documented that they used only one pottery mark in their short life and that was nothing like the cartouche of your item.

Sorry to rain on your parade, and who am I to question your mother's inheritance, but this item has a typical look to it of 21st Century Chinese production? They choose subjects which have vague references to a firm that might have a genuine age to it (in this case teh Villa Pottery of Wood, Son & Co) and would sell well on eBay. Then they are past masters at creating an aged and distressed look to it (just like this cartouche mark) and the crackle glaze etc etc. The clue is that there is rarely a definitive maker - it's all very vague.

This piece might be genuine, in which case I am prepared to stand corrected, and look forward to the debate below.

For general free advice on how to research your collection, I wrote this page:

value of antiques.

My vintage and antique china values page


Peter (admin)