MARKS ON MASON’S WARE.

We give, too, a set of marks used by the firm of Mason, from the early days till the factory ceased. In the advertisement mentioned below he says, “The articles are stamped on the bottom of the large pieces to prevent imposition.”

Miles Mason established his pottery at Lane Delph, in Staffordshire, about 1780. “Miles Mason, late of Fenchurch St., London,” so runs his advertisement in the Morning Herald, October 1, 1804, “having been a principal purchaser of Indian porcelain, till the prohibition of that article by heavy duties, has established a manufactory at Lane Delph, near Newcastle-under-Lyme.” The “Ironstone China” was patented by Charles James Mason in 1813. It consisted in using the slag of ironstone pounded with water together with flint, Cornwall stone, and clay, and blue oxide of cobalt. The ware is usually outlined with flowers in transfer printing, and painted and gilded by hand. Some of Mason’s blue plates are in colour equal to old blue Delft. On account of its handsome decorative effect it is rapidly rising in value.

GROUP OF MASON’S JUGS.

(Largest 91⁄2 in. high.)

In Collection of Mr. W. G. Honey.

SALE PRICES.

Staffordshire.£s.d.
Jug, Bacchanalian, 13 in. high, figuresin bold relief of “Bacchus” and“Pan” supported by a barrel withgrotesque animal handle and dolphinspout, in rare colours and highlyglazed by Voyez, Cobridge, 1788.Edwards, Son & Bigwood, Birmingham,May 13, 19021500
Vase, Etruscan, 18 in. high, snake-and-maskhandles, marked S. A. & Co.(Alcock & Co). Edwards, Son &Bigwood, Birmingham, May 13, 19021000
Mason’s Ware.
Vase 27 in., decorated with flowers andgilt, and ornamented with gildedhead handles supporting a cornucopiaand mermaid. Gudgeon &Sons, Winchester, April 3, 1902850