ENGLISH WHITE IRONSTONE Washington Shape Sauce Tureen with Ladle & Underplate John Meir & Son Circa 1863

Gorgeous pure white antique ironstone SAUCE TUREEN WITH LADLE AND UNDERPLATE made by John Meir & Son Pottery of Tunstall in Staffordshire, England. It is extremely rare to find a tureen of this age complete with the original ladle, lid and underplate.

The set is designed in the Washington Shape featuring a floral and foliage pattern and edged with a rope border. The design is continued on the lid which is topped with a pinecone with leaves finial. The top of the ladle is decorated with a four petal flower and leaves.

The tureen and the underplate are printed with an early mark of Meir that incorporates a depiction of the Royal Arms with the lion couchant or lying down and the unicorn both leaning on the shield topped with the crown.  Under the Royal Arms are the words:

The underplate also includes above the printed mark, an impressed mark with the "registration diamond" issued by the British Patent Office.  At the top is reads John Meir & Son and at the bottom, Washington Shape.  The registration diamond includes an R-3-G dating the piece to August 3, 1863.

The set is in excellent condition with no chips, crazing or cracks.  The tureen measures 8" wide handle to handle and 3 ½” high without the lid.  With the lid, it measures approximately 6" high.  The underplate is 6" wide by 9 ¼” long.  The ladle is about 7" long. 

This would be a wonderful piece to add to someone's antique ironstone collection--or given as a wedding or shower gift!

About John Meir & Son Potteries: In 1812, John Meir acquired Greensgate Pottery at Tunstall, Stoke-on-Tent in Staffordshire, England.  He worked alone until 1837, when his son joined the partnership, when at this time the firm was renamed from John Meir to John Meir & Son.  Together they produced high quality ironstone and earthenware, much of what was exported to the United States.  The family sold the business in 1896 to William Adams & Sons Potters.