Antique Macintyre Bishop Auckland crested teapot.
A stunning teapot with an obvious connection to the County Durham market town of Bishop Auckland, where the Bishops of Durham made residence. The Macintyre factory became famous as the factory where the renowned pottery designer William Moorcroft commenced his career.
The shape is basically the Lorne shape as appears in the Macintyre 1902 catalogue, and the same shape which has also featured William Moorcroft's Aurelian design.
The registered design number 308931 shown on the base dates the design registration to 1897.
If it was part of a tea service it could be fascinating to look for other pieces although I have only managed to see one similarly crested item.
The teapot is in excellent condition for such an old piece of pottery, and from looking inside it appears only ever to have been used for display.
This item is available online only however if visiting the Centre please visit Cabinet 138 situated on the Lower Ground Floor to view a selection of mainly Moorcroft Pottery from early vintage pieces to more modern examples.
Please Note: This item is offered for sale for purposes of display, collecting etc and may not be suitable for use with foodstuff.