A find with a history

Over the weekend, after a ride out into the country, I made a purchase at an antiques shop. Well, it is really only a flea market filled with things that have been purchased up at local estate sales and then placed on sale in booth-like arrangements. Here is a jar, vase, jug or biscuit barrel (?) shown here filled with a pot of African violets. Not sure exactly what it was originally. My guess is that it was a biscuit barrel, at present lacking its lid. It consists of creamy porcelain with a blue transferred pattern and originated in England. I adore the two knobby handles on the sides which are in exceptional condition. It is quite large, standing 10 inches tall. It's amusing to suppose just where and under what circustances this piece has been. Anyone want to take a guess as to its original use??


The markings on the bottom reveal that it is a Doulton Burslem dating from 1891-1902. The marking contains four D’s enclosed in a rosette and topped off with a crown, which was added to the mark following the appointment of Henry Doulton as the official potter to H.R.H., The Prince of Wales' (later King Edward VI 1). The O surrounded by four dots was probably the unique symbol of the individual potter signing his or her piece.



John Doulton, Henry’s father, began making pottery in Lambeth, South London, in the early 1800’s. Lambeth, being the setting for my most recent read, Burning Bright, by Tracy Chevalier. In his factories there, and later in Burslem, Doulton produced jugs, water bottles, whiskey flasks, pitchers, beer bottles, figurines and other table wares.

Perhaps I should send photos off to Ms. Chevalier. Only she could write a rich and enlightening story inspired by this find with a history!