Pair of Plates, Hicks & Meigh, c.1810

These plates, transfer printed in blue with cranes and large flowers, were manufactured by the Staffordshire firm of Hicks & Meigh in around 1810. Working from their factory at High Street, Shelton, Staffordshire, they produced high-grade ironstone or stone china in the style of Mason's Ironstone. This floral border often appears on their wares.

The reverse of both plates is printed with the Royal Arms mark and STONE CHINA No 9. This mark was used by Hicks & Meigh c.1806-22.

There are three small stilt marks on the underside of each plate, showing how they were stacked in the kiln for firing.

Condition: Good - no chips, cracks or restoration. Both plates have minor wear, and one of the plates has a clay tear, a typical early manufacturing flaw. They remain good examples of transfer printed earthenware from an important Staffordshire firm.

Dimensions: Diameter 9" (23cm)