Crown Ducal Luncheon Plate | ‘Bridge Scenes’

- Diameter: 22 cm

- Excellent - This Crown Ducal ‘Bridge Scenes’ luncheon plate is in excellent vintage condition, especially considering its mid-century heritage.

Surface: The glaze remains bright and lustrous. Under close inspection, you may find very light, age-appropriate surface scuffs from stacking, but nothing that detracts from the hand-engraved scene.

Structure: There are no chips, cracks, or repairs to the rim or base.

Glaze: There is no visible crazing, which is a testament to the quality of the late-1960s English semi-porcelain.

The ‘Hand-Engraved’ Detail: The cobalt transfer is crisp and clear, with no significant fading or "blurring" often seen in heavily used vintage sets.

The Reverse: The foot ring is clean, and the backstamp is perfectly legible, including the early "Dishwasher Proof" designation.

* Note on Vintage: As with all SOSC finds, this piece carries the soul of its previous life. We celebrate these minor signs of history as proof of its journey from a 1960s Staffordshire kiln to your table today.

1. Design & Features
This luncheon plate is a beautiful example of mid-century British transferware. It features the 'Bridge Scenes' pattern, part of a series of idyllic rural landscapes that Crown Ducal was famous for.
- The Scene: A detailed pastoral vista featuring a fisherman by a stone-arched bridge, a village church, and rolling mountains.
- The Border: A soft, scalloped rim that follows the "Gainsborough" or "Florentine" style, typical of the high-quality tableware shapes produced by the factory.
- Colour: A rich, deep cobalt blue that remains vibrant against the crisp white semi-porcelain body.

2. The Crown Ducal Backstamp
The backstamp on this piece is a definitive marker of its history. Crown Ducal was the trade name for A.G. Richardson & Co. Ltd, based in the famous pottery hubs of Tunstall and Cobridge, Staffordshire.
- Era: This specific printed mark, featuring the "Dishwasher Proof" text, indicates production from the late 1960s to the early 1970s.
- Provenance: A.G. Richardson was a "model factory" known for efficient, high-quality production until it was acquired by Wedgwood in 1974.

3. Craftsmanship
Unlike mass-printed modern pieces, this plate features hand-engraved decoration.
- The Process: Master engravers meticulously hand-cut the scene into copper plates. This design was then "transferred" onto the ceramic.
- The Result: Look closely at the mountains and the foliage—you'll notice the incredible depth and fine line work that can only be achieved through this traditional engraving process.

4. Uses & Versatility
- Modern Dining: It is the perfect size for a light lunch, a generous salad course, or a substantial starter.
- Styling: Because of its intricate scene, it doubles as a decorative piece. It looks striking when displayed in a hutch or as part of a gallery wall.
- The Mix: It pairs beautifully with solid white modern ceramics or mismatched blue-and-white patterns for a layered, soulful table setting.

5. Care Instructions
- While this piece was a pioneer in being labelled "Dishwasher Proof" by the factory in the 1960s, we recommend gentle hand-washing to ensure the glaze and the depth of the blue transfer remain pristine for another fifty years.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners.
- Not recommended for microwave use due to the age of the ceramic.