A Moorcroft cup and saucer in the Pansy design by William Moorcroft.
The height of the cup is 62mm and the diameter (at the rim) 85mm.
The height of the saucer is 25mm and the diameter 138mm.
Condition: The cup has a small chip on the bottom rim which can be seen on the 2nd image. Apart from this both items have been assessed as in very good antique/vintage condition, particularly for items which may have been used and not just placed on display. There is the normal crazing as expected and only fairly modest staining in the cup.
The position of the chip would make for a particularly easy restoration however given the rather minor effect it has when displayed the cup has been left in its 'museum state' with its history preserved.
Nb. Regarding restoration there are two main schools of thought i.e. to leave an item as it is or with perhaps only minor remedial work to preserve the history, sometimes referred to as a 'museum state' or at the other end of the spectrum to make an invisible restoration to return the original beauty and/or functionality. Choices can of course be made between the two ends of the spectrum.
The cup has impressed MOORCROFT and ENGLAND back stamps on the base along with the painted initials in blue. The saucer has impressed MOORCROFT and MADE IN ENGLAND back stamps and also the painted initials in blue. The back stamps suggest these items were produced c1916-1929.
The early pansy pattern was introduced c1911 with further development taking place later. One of the reference books recommended by Moorcroft shows examples of this version of the pansy design typical of the 1920's/1930's which fits in nicely with the date assessment above.
There is a great deal of content in the pansy design. Interesting, the pansy design is also present on the inside of the cup as well as on the outer surface.
An opportunity for a collector to add pieces of vintage, and possibly antique (based on the 100 year old definition) Moorcroft pottery, from the highly collectable pansy range, to a collection.
While beautiful Moorcroft items are still been produced, antique and vintage items have an appeal of their own and indeed many are now part of collections.
This Moorcroft cup and saucer in the pansy design is available online only however if visiting the Antiques Centre in York please view Cabinet 138 situated on the Lower Ground Floor to view other examples of Moorcroft Pottery.
Please Note: These items are offered for sale for purposes of display, collecting etc and may not be suitable for use with foodstuff.
