Studio RT Ltd

Description

We are pleased to offer this quite rare part hand painted Sandwich Set of Aynsley China in the Blue Bird blue edge pattern, which bears the Registered Design No. 740866, and dates the design to 1929. The set comprises a serving plate and 6 small square plates with rounded corners. The design consists of a floral and foliate border with beaded swags and four blue birds placed one on each side of the small plates, with six around the large plate.

Aynsley China Ltd. was a British manufacturer of bone china tableware, giftware and commemorative items.
History

The company was founded in 1775 by John Aynsley in Lane End, Longton, Staffordshire. In 1861 his grandson John Aynsley built the historic Portland Works on Sutherland Road, Longton, Staffordshire. The company's profitability made it a desirable acquisition. In June 1970 Spode put in a bid, this was then topped in July by Denbyware. Discussions then followed with Waterford Glass and a £1 million bid was agreed. In 1970 John Aynsley and Sons was taken over by Waterford and renamed Aynsley China Ltd. In 1987 Waterford sold the company in order to focus the group's fine china sales on the worldwide Wedgwood brand.

In May 1997, Aynsley China was acquired by The Belleek Pottery Group in Ireland. The company closed its Stoke-on-Trent factory in September 2014. As of July 2015 the factory shop is still open but its future is uncertain as the site is being advertised as for sale.
Products

The company was a favoured supplier of the British royal family. Both Queen Elizabeth II and Diana, Princess of Wales, chose Aynsley china as wedding presents from the British china industry.

Aynsley's market has historically been within the United Kingdom.

Large plate: 10 x 8 5/8 inches - 25.35 x 21.9cm

Small plate: 6 inches - 15.25cm square

Material: Bone china

Condition: Very good. There is barely a scratch on any of the plates and almost no loss to the blue edge. There are no cracks or chips. Some of the birds are paler than others, but this is not due to wear, but the original manufacture.