I bought this on eBay, not that I particularly wanted it but no one else head bid on it and it seemed a shame. Does anyone know how old it is? My initial thought was 1930's based on the glaze.
It is decorated with the names of former British colonies, each with a representative animal. There was an empire exhibition in 1925 so maybe it was produced to coincide with that?
I've got a similar one in storage, will have to look it out. Think it might be a different colour, maybe blue. If I remember right it was sold as 1930s.
It could be from 1929 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the date on the bowl Who produced it, is it marked? I could have a look in my china
marks book.
Unfortunately there are no marks. The only clues are the former British colonies listed on it as it must have been produced while they were still British. Also the style of the lettering would possibly be a clue to someone familiar with these things. I think you theory of it bring a centenary piece is a good one.
I think you'll find the reason the date 1829 is shown is because that is the year the Zoological Society of London was granted a Royal Charter by KIng George IV.
@dean re your question "who produced it?":-
A google search showed that it was manufactured by the pottery company Wade Ceramics (best known for the "Wade Whimsies" range of animal figures).
Thanks Tim, your information has enabled me to search out more info. The same design with ER in the center was issued for the Queens' coronation in 1953 (odd as India was no longer past of the Empire then) there was a reissue in 1977 for the jubilee without reference to the Empire. I wonder when the design was first used?
@Tim May I thought it would be wade as Ned said they issued a lot of this sort of item for the coronation especially in a pink colour, and I think pale blue i used to collect royal things in general and remember those colours.
