Antique English Torquay Redware Match Strike

This charming match strike / vesta is lovely example of English Torquay red earthenware pottery. A wonderful addition to any match striker, English art pottery, or redware collection, The matches are stored in the top reservoir and then lighted on the rough exterior surface of the base.

This piece is very much in the English Arts & Crafts style of the late 19th century with its ethereal nature themes -- the blue sky of the match well edge, the romantic castle ruin, the undulating hills, and stylized grove of trees. This example is believed to the from Longpark Pottery, marked Tormohun, in the Tintern Abbey pattern. The incised maker's mark on the underside is illegible; there is a style code of "153 S.S.".

Torquay is a collective of regional potters in the South Devon area of England near the seaside town of Torquay. Founded in the 1860's, this group of fabricators have become to be known as "Torquay" for the common traits of their red earthenware -- slip glazes, written mottos (often quite witty), and arts & crafts rustic styling. Some compare it to Dutch Delft or French Quimper pottery in its charming simplicity. Some pottery houses are identifiable by marks; others are categorized in this group simply based on aesthetic.

We have purchased a very large collection of Torquay and other European match strikes. Please take a look!

Dimensions:  3.9ʺDia. × 3.4ʺH.

Excellent antique condition; brilliant colors, no chips, no crack, no crazing. Please note that strikable (not safety matches) are required.

Free local pickup; otherwise shipped via economical parcel delivery.