{HISTORY}

Made in the bustling pottery hub of Hanley, Stoke-On-Trent England, this set of four antique ironstone dinner plates was manufactured by J. W. Pankhurst between 1850-1852. The J.W. stands for James William Pankhurst, the founder who started his pottery in 1850. In business only until 1883, these dates are exciting to note when it comes to these dishes in particular because that means they were made in the first years of the pottery's beginnings. 

As with most ironstone, the appearance of these gorgeous antiques only gets better with age.  Originally, this set came from the factory plain and bright white but over time spots, stains, and crazing have turned them into unique works of art with no two looking exactly the same. To us, antique ironstone always takes on a moon-like appearance resembling the softly shaded craters of the moon's surface that make it look like a face or a circle of polka dots or a wheel of cheese.

Hard to find nowadays in a set, these Pankhurst plates are absolute beauties for display. They float effortlessly between seasons. They are heavy and strong, each one weighs between 1.7 and 1.10 lbs. Their backs are just as beautiful as their fronts, each stamped with the regal Lion and Horse Pankhurst mark which was used prior to them becoming Pankhurst & Co in 1853. And they add instant character to any space.

Near the Pankhurst mark on back, you'll notice an impressed Florence stamp. That denotes the pattern's shape - a classic design that defies trends. which denotes the pattern shape. 

Simple, elegant and so full of history, it's lovely to think that for the past 170-plus years, these plates have been traveling time in the most beautiful of ways. With just a couple of small chips (nicks really) on the rim of two plates, they are in gorgeous shape and still retain a very shiny glaze on each plate.

We seem to say this about every heirloom that comes to the shop, but these four really do make us wish that they could tell us all about the people, places and mealtimes they've been a part of since 1850. They are conversation starters for sure. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Matching set of four

- Rare find

- Stamped on back with shape name and manufacturer's mark

{CONDITION}

In really lovely antique condition. There are no chips or cracks on any plates except for two small nicks on the rim of each plate. These are less than 1/8th" inch in size and look as if they may have been caused by plate hangers when previously displayed. In the photo of the stacked plates - we lined all these knicks up so you could see them all together stacked one on top of the other. The glaze is very smooth and shiny on each plate and various age spots, staining, and crazing add all sorts of wonderful character. Please see photos.

{SIZE}

Each plate measures 10" inches in diameter. Together with all four pieces combined this set weighs 6.4lbs.