An Enigma - Four Gold Dots Marking on China Tea Set

by Margaret Raimondi
(Hartlepool, England)

I am a divorced mum of two beautiful children. I have a 2nd Class Honours Degree but unfortunately remain “unemployed”. I have been bringing up my children on my own now for 10 years and since returning to the UK (during my separation and ultimate divorce) it has been an uphill battle to pay the bills and survive financially.

This is even more poignant because my ex husband is Italian, lives in Italy and, as such, is not obliged by law to pay any maintenance fees towards the upkeep of his children.

I am sure many other mums are experiencing, or have experienced the hurt and acrimony that divorce proceedings entail.

I spent most of my teaching career in Greece and Italy. Idyllic, I hear many say and, yes, I suppose it was. I was single with no obligations and no children to worry about. I was self employed and spoke Greek fluently as my self employed status demanded.

Then I moved to Italy, married and had the 2 most beautiful children imaginable.

My priorities changed overnight. I was no longer a single, carefree, albeit professional, young lady, I became a caring, loving, responsible (the adjectives could go on & on!) mother.

Sadly, at one point, when my children were quite young, I decided enough was enough and returned to the UK with my children.

I, like every other mum, wanted the best for my children, in every sense of the word, so it became increasingly hard as they got older to tell them that “Mummy can’t afford it”.

So, I began making jewellery. I made a few sales to close friends and family but, after a long hard battle, I eventually had to admit defeat.

Then my partner took me to a local vintage fair. I love vintage and I loved the fair, better still it got me thinking…

..There was a gap in the market for what I was thinking, if not a gap, then certainly a demand and I could not wait to get started.

So it began……my search for vintage plates and my love for vintage china.

I began making cake stands, 2 tier and 3 tier using plates I found at car boot sales, church fairs, coffee mornings and markets. I matched the plates up and my partner drilled the central hole.

Suddenly I was making a profit! Unbelievable! It had taken so long and such determination that I was, and still am, in shock.

Admittedly sales are unpredictable and I have good and bad weeks but overall I can admit to myself that Yes! You did it! You persevered and succeeded. Even my children are impressed.

I am now going to auctions, which is rather a bold move considering all the time and effort it has taken to get this far. I limit my bidding to one particular lot and block out all other temptations!

This is my latest acquisition. I saw it and fell in love immediately. My partner said I was being foolish but I know beauty and quality when I see it. Unfortunately it has no back stamp other than 4 gold dots in a square shape. I have searched and searched online but to no avail, please can you help me identify this china, all I can surmise is that it is pre 1900 but I am no expert. I feel as if everything I have been through is culminated in this china, silly I know, but to me it is an enigma, but not to others I hope!

I know I have very slightly gone over my word count and I apologise for waffling on so much.

Kindest Regards

Margaret