Grindley Potteries based in Tunstall UK made a wide range of flower based design tablewares and this yet another of those designs but with the "Honey glaze" visual effect.
The dating is based on the framed sailboat ship with NO crown above, a backstamp that was widely used by Grindley during the period 1936-54 for their Ivoryware range. Interesting is the 44 which has been added above the backstamp, PERHAPS the year of manufacture although no other indications that this was a "Wartime" product such as the use of the G VI R coding but I don't believe this 44 refers to the design name or number and the decorator's mark is a separate item (in Orange) underneath the backstamp.
W.H GRINDLEY - Tableware Gravy Boat Jug ONLY
Made in England
Pattern name: unknown and not indicated on or near the backstamp
Design: Medium size table pouring jug (typically used for Gravy and a bit too large & wide mouthed for Milk or Cream)
Hand painted
The bright, vibrant multi-coloured decorations have been skilfully applied by hand and finished with an Orange trimming around the top rim and back of the generous handle. A very pleasant "flowers of the garden" theme although I think these flowers are of the "fantasy species" a not intended to represent "real" flowers, certainly the foliage looks very imaginative in colouring! Almost an "Art Deco" feel to the decorations.
Honey glaze has been used, not the traditional clear glazing
BACKSTAMP DETAILS:
Here is a photograph of the backstamp
COSMETIC CONDITION:
If only I looked so good after 82 years on this earth! Although having a Yellowish tinge would probably worry me a little! To be serious, this is a really good example of Grindley product from the mid 20th Century.
USED
CLEAN
NO cracks at all
NO chips
NO damage to the decorator's artwork
NO discolouration to the Honey glazing
NO crazing was observed (both dry and wet tests which is truly astounding after all this time and usage!)
NO "old" human decorated chinaware is absolutely perfect and this jug is no exception ...
On the side, near the front spout (to the right as the spout is facing you) is a small "dash" of the Orange paint - Woopsie, an artist slip of the hand!
In some places the Honey glaze has gathered together into a thicker layer so the Yellow colouring is a slightly different shade i.e around the foot of the jug.
Both of these "flaws" are the result of craftspersonship by an "all singing-all dancing" human - these little defects set such pieces apart from those mass produced machine-made table wares!
