Francis Morley - Dinner service (12) - California - Earthenware - 180 years old

Museum-worthy, authentic English transferware – about 180 years old, F.M. & Co., “California”, 1845–1858

Francis Morley & Co. – “California” – Staffordshire, England – about 1845–1858

For sale: six extraordinarily beautiful antique dinner plates from Francis Morley & Co., made in Shelton/Hanley in Staffordshire, England (today Stoke-on-Trent). The Francis Morley & Co. manufacturing company existed from 1845 to 1858 and was renowned for high-quality decorated English transferware and Ironstone.

An exceptional testimony to English table culture and almost two centuries of history

These exceptional plates are around 180 years old, placing them in a bygone era of English history. They have endured almost two centuries, generations, and the most varied historical periods and social upheavals. Their survival today and their splendid design lend them a special historical charm.

The elegant decoration delights with delicate pink and blue flowers, fine leaves, flowing vines, and intricate ornamental embellishments. The color palette and the meticulous design give each plate a distinctly noble and prestigious aura.

Scope

6 dinner plates & 6 soup plates

The plates are in good condition for their extraordinarily advanced age. Age-related traces are present and are part of the history and authenticity of these roughly 180-year-old pieces.

A historical rarity from Francis Morley & Co. – for collectors and connoisseurs of English ceramics with a special sensitivity for rare and historically significant pieces.

The service is made of high-quality English Ironstone, a particularly dense and durable ceramic body that was valued for its strength and lasting quality. The characteristic material quality and the artistic execution make these roughly 180-year-old plates impressive testimonies to the demanding English ceramic art of the 19th century.

Twelve plates, almost 180 years old – twelve witnesses to time, still telling of a world long past.