Midwinter Stonehenge Coffee Pot | "Onyx" Pattern

- Height: 19.3 cm
- Length (spout to handle): 20.7 cm

- Excellent - This Midwinter Stonehenge coffee pot is in excellent vintage condition. As a piece of stoneware approximately 50 years old, it has been remarkably well-preserved.

Glaze & Surface: The deep chocolate brown "Onyx" glaze remains rich and consistent. There is no significant "crazing" (the fine spiderweb cracking often found in vintage ceramics), and the satin-matte finish has retained its original luster without noticeable scuffing.

Body & Structure: The piece is structurally sound. There are no chips, cracks, or flea bites to the spout, rim, or handle.

The Lid: The speckled "Creation" lid fits securely. The iron-oxide flecking is clear and well-distributed, with no chips to the inner flange that sits inside the pot.

The Interior: The inside of the pot is clean and free from the tea or coffee tannins often found in used vintage servers, suggesting it may have been used primarily for display.

Base: The underside features the clear, embossed "Midwinter Made in England" mark, as shown in the photographs. There is only minor shelf wear to the unglazed foot ring, which is expected and consistent with age.

Note for the Collector: Please keep in mind that vintage ceramics may have tiny, pin-sized "pitting" or minor glaze bubbles from the original firing process. These are not considered flaws but are part of the authentic handmade character of 1970s Stonehenge stoneware.

1. Design & Features
- The Stonehenge range is celebrated for its architectural geometry.
- This coffee pot features a high-shouldered cylindrical body and a narrow, tapered spout positioned to ensure a precise, sediment-free pour.
- The oversized circular handle is not just a visual statement; it provides a balanced grip that offsets the substantial weight of the stoneware.
- The "Onyx" glaze is a deep, satin-matte chocolate brown, providing a stark, modern contrast to the glossy, speckled "Creation" glaze on the lid.

2. Craftsmanship
- Produced in Staffordshire, England, during the 1970s, Midwinter stoneware was engineered for durability.
- The pieces were fired at high temperatures to achieve a vitrified, stone-like quality.
- The speckled finish on the lid is the result of a reactive iron-oxide glaze; during the firing process, these minerals "bloom" to create unique patterns, ensuring that the lid on this specific pot is one-of-a-kind.

3. Uses & Versatility
While designed for coffee, the thermal properties of heavy stoneware make this vessel excellent for keeping any beverage—from herbal infusions to hot chocolate—at temperature for longer.
- Breakfast Service: A grounding centrepiece for a morning table.
- Open Shelving: Its tall, sculptural profile makes it an ideal "object" for kitchen styling when not in use.
- Modern Hosting: The dark earth tones pair seamlessly with natural linen textiles and stainless steel or wooden serving pieces.

4. Care Instructions
To preserve the matte finish of the dark glaze and the integrity of the vintage stoneware, we recommend the following:
- Hand Wash Only: Use mild detergent and a soft sponge. Avoid abrasive scourers which can dull the satin surface over time.
- Avoid Thermal Shock: While stoneware is hardy, do not transfer the pot directly from a cold surface to a high-heat source.
- Storage: Ensure the pot is completely dry before placing the lid on for long-term storage to prevent moisture trapped inside.