Regina Delft Blue Windmill Tiles | Reader’s Digest Exclusive (Set of 6)

- Length: 7.5 cm
- Width: 7.5 cm

- Excellent - This set is in excellent vintage condition, appearing to have been carefully stored as a collector’s item rather than used as functional homeware.

Ceramic Tiles: All six tiles are remarkably well-preserved. The glazes remain bright, glossy, and "jewel-like" with no chips, cracks, or visible crazing. The cobalt blue illustrations are crisp and show no signs of fading.

Paper Sleeves & Inserts: The original white cardboard sleeves are structurally sound. As expected with paper items of this age, there is a very light, natural age-appropriate patina (slight off-white toning), which confirms their authentic vintage provenance.

Documentation: The Certificate of Authenticity and the individual windmill history slips are in crisp condition, with no tears or heavy creasing.

Felt Backing: The reverse of each tile is fitted with its original protective felt. The felt is clean and securely attached, ensuring the tiles sit level and protect your furniture surfaces.

Note to Buyer: As these are authentic mid-century pieces, minor variations in the hand-applied glaze may be present, which is a hallmark of the artisanal Regina pottery process rather than a flaw.

1. The Collection Includes:
- 6 Hand-Glazed Ceramic Tiles: Each features a different, intricately detailed blue-and-white Dutch windmill scene.
- Original Descriptive Slips: Each tile is accompanied by its own informative insert explaining the history and function of the specific windmill depicted (e.g., The Platform Windmill).
- Original Presentation Sleeves: Six individual white card covers with the classic "Reader’s Digest" branding.
- Certificate of Authenticity: A verified declaration from the Foundation for the Promotion of Old Dutch Handicrafts, confirming the heritage and craftsmanship of the Regina works.

2. Design & Features
- Each tile features a distinct, meticulously detailed illustration of a traditional Dutch windmill, capturing the architectural heritage of the Netherlands.
- The tiles are housed in custom-branded white card sleeves, specifically designed for this Reader’s Digest collaboration.
- Each tile includes a fold-out informational slip that classifies the windmill (e.g., Stellingmolen or Wipmolen), providing historical context that turns a decor piece into a conversation starter.
- Each tile is meticulously fitted with a soft felt backing, making them immediately ready for use as elegant coasters or for display on delicate surfaces without the risk of scratching.

3. Craftsmanship
- Regina Gouda Art Pottery: Produced by Kunstaardewerkfabriek Regina, a factory world-renowned for its "Delft Blue" earthenware. The Regina works were famous for maintaining high standards of hand-glazing and traditional firing methods. Established in 1898 (Queen Wilhelmina's coronation year, hence the name "Regina," which is Latin for Queen).
- The van der Want Legacy: The craftsmanship follows the exact formulas and techniques of the van der Want family—pottery masters with a lineage dating back to 1749. This ensures the deep, iconic cobalt blue and the crisp white glaze characteristic of genuine Delftware.
- Heirloom Quality: The glaze is finished to a high-gloss, durable shine, designed to resist fading and maintain its "jewel-like" clarity for generations.
- Certified Heritage: The included certificate from the Foundation for the Promotion of Old Dutch Handicrafts serves as a guarantee that these pieces were made using traditional, non-industrialised artisanal methods.
- The Partnership: This specific "Exclusive Gift" set was a high-end promotional collaboration between Regina and Reader's Digest, likely produced during the 1960s or 70s when Regina was at the height of its Delftware production.

4. Style & Decor Potential
These tiles are not just collectibles; they are versatile decor pieces. They would look stunning:
- Framed together as a gallery wall set in a kitchen or study.
- Used as elegant coasters.
- Displayed individually on mini brass easels on a bookshelf.