As normal seasonal thoughts for this time of year have been displaced by a December Election, when asked if I would be joining the office party I enquired on reflex what political persuasion they were. Ho ho came the reply. 'It's Christmas!'
And so it is, and now we have to think of brighter, happier things like holly and turkey and mulled wine and goodwill to all, and presents. Each year this subject seems to get more difficult. What to give your nearest and dearest that they will appreciate and hopefully use. In recent years Victorian porcelain, with prices being on a par with its brand new equivalent, has become a popular seasonal favourite with the added bonus of each piece having a history reflecting the manners and practices of the time. From tea and coffee sets to fruit bowls, vases, candlesticks and condiments there is scarcely a household item that cannot be seen as an item of beauty and craftsmanship from a bygone age. Plus the fact that from the 1830's on there are marks applied that give us an indication of authenticity. For example use of the word 'Royal' in the manufacturer's title or trade name will indicate after the middle of the 19th century. Equally the incorporation of the Royal Arms will be thereafter. The words 'Bone China' will be 20th century. Any printed mark showing the name of the pattern such as Ironestone 'India Tree' will be after 1810 and the presence of a date such as 1790 will be the date the factory claims to have been founded, rather than the date it was made. Any piece with the name of the country of manufacture will be after 1891. Lecture over. There is of course a vast array of items, once integral to everyday life, which are now valuable purely as joyful ornament. The pair of barrels illustrated is among that category. Originally the stock item behind the bar of any self-respecting hostelry such large Staffordshire containers were made for an equally wide range of liquors, but as fashion and the restrictions following two World Wars changed many were thrown away, making those extant all the more interesting. These are stamped by Thomas Cone of Longton, Staffordshire and made between 1912-1935. Available from John Bly, 24 High Street, Tring. Herts HP23 5AH.