1881 English Aesthetic Movement Staffordshire Transferware Collection, 39 Pieces

19th Century ironstone transferware collection attributed to James Beech of Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire England. The design reflects the Victorian fascination with the Far East, exhibiting Chinoiserie style use of strong geometric forms, chrysanthemums and other florals, and an overlay image of an Asian sailing vessel in a mountain encircled cove. En verso are the marks of the maker "J.B.", a banner with the pattern name "Washington", and a registry diamond indicating the date of March 10, 1881. Some pieces also have an unidentified impressed crown mark.

While the term "rare" is greatly overused in the antique business, this offering can only be described as such. Our extensive research shows:
* rare color -- very few black & white Aesthetic Movement items (most are brown & white);
* rare pattern -- no other pieces of this pattern could be located;
* rare maker -- few examples of this maker;
* rare quantity -- no other offerings of sets of similar size or quality available for purchase.
If not impossible, it would take many years and great expense to assemble such a large assortment of a single pattern of this period. If available, retail for similar pieces purchased individually approach $5,000. It is for this reason that we are offering it as a set; if individual pieces are desired, please inquire via the "Ask the Seller" tab on this listing.

The collection consists of:
* 11 dinner plates (10.6" dia)
* 11 luncheon plates (9.5" dia.)
* 9 salad plates (7.5" dia.)
* 2 large covered serving dishes with lids (12.25"W x 7.5:D x 5.8"H (w/ lid), 2.8"H (w/o lid));
* 1 gravy / sauce boat with lid (8"W x 5"D x 5"H (w/lid), 3"H w/o lid));
* 1 underplate / small serving platter (8.75"W x 6.75"D);
* 1 very large (turkey) platter (18.25"W x 12.5"D);
* 1 large platter (16"W x 12.9"D);
* 2 medium platters (12"W x 9.9"D & 11.25"W x 8.9"D).

Very good antique condition for pottery items 140+ years old. Generally, all pieces exhibit crazing, small chips (as shown), minor fabrication flaws, and loss of gilt on edges. Specific condition remarks include:
* Stable hairline cracks on 1 luncheon plate, 1 salad plate, 1 medium platter, 1 lid.
* Discoloration, see photo showing the range.

Shipping:  Due to the number of pieces and the weight, shipping options include:
* Free local pickup;
* Cost effective regional delivery within 275 miles (+/-) of zip code 74114
* Buyer arranged shipping at buyer's expense.