Question:
I'm trying to date this Royal Cauldon teaset and I don't know enough about it to even start. I have checked the dating material in Kovel's Dictionary of Marks and I've Googled but haven't found anything for this specific maker.
The handpainted number on the bottom is the pattern number and besides that, the bottom also has an incised 5 over 40. Do you think that might be a date? The colors and style look right to me for the 40s, especially the green trim around all of the pieces.
Thanks much for any ideas at all.
Joan
Answer:
The only thing I've read about this after searching online is, After 1915 items were marked Made In England
Answer:
Thanks, Serenity. Godden's Encyclopedia of Pottery and Porcelain Marks shows this mark being used from 1930 to 1950. I just found this info and I think I will add it to the description and maybe add a guess date of 1940.
Joan
Answer:
There is a reasonable *chance* that the impressed mark is the actual date of manufacture (ie: May 1940). I have not handled enough Cauldon to know their dating system, but several other British companies impressed the dates of manufacture over that period. Royal Doulton, per example, impressed the month and year side by side with a full stop between them (eg: 5.40). Some Royal Winton also used the same dating method.
I think that 1940 would be a fair estimate, but if someone knows Cauldon better they may correct me.
Kind Regards, Kevin
Answer:
Kevin, thanks for taking the time to respond to my question. I think you are correct about the "reasonable chance" of the date being May 1940 and I will add that to my description.
Joan