Paragon | 'Rockingham' | Red Bone China Cake Plate | c. 1939–1949

Paragon | 'Rockingham' | Red Bone China Cake Plate | c. 1939–1949

Crimson and gold frame a garden of flowers, with a long-tailed bird resting at its centre.

Paragon, of Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, was among the English china makers granted royal warrants during the 20th century. This plate bears the double-warrant backstamp naming Queen Elizabeth, consort of George VI, and Queen Mary, a mark dated to about 1939–1949. 'Rockingham' was produced in several colourways; this is the red.

The plate is a rounded square, with a shaped rim and two integral moulded side handles picked out in gilt scrolls. At the centre of each side, crimson panels are scattered with small gilt sprigs and framed by gilt rococo scrollwork. Between them, sprays of mixed flowers, roses, tulips and forget-me-nots, fill the corners. In the centre, an exotic bird with a long, sweeping tail rests among roses, tulips and morning glory. The rim is gilt. The backstamp reads "Paragon", with two royal arms, "By appointment to H.M. The Queen & H.M. Queen Mary, Fine Bone China, England Regd." and the pattern name "Rockingham".

The plate is in excellent condition, with no chips, cracks, crazing or restoration.

Key Details

• Maker: Paragon, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent
• Pattern: Rockingham, red colourway
• Date: c. 1939–1949 (by backstamp)
• Material: bone china
• Form: rounded-square cake plate with integral moulded side handles
• Decoration: crimson panels with gilt sprigs and rococo scrolls; floral sprays; exotic bird centre; gilt rim and handles
• Marks: Paragon, double royal warrant (H.M. The Queen & H.M. Queen Mary), "Fine Bone China England Regd.", "Rockingham"
• Dimensions: length 24 cm; width 23.7 cm; height 2 cm
• Weight: 441 g
• Condition: excellent; no chips, cracks, crazing or restoration
• Buyer profile: collector of Paragon or royal-warrant china; someone completing a 'Rockingham' tea service; buyer looking for a decorative serving plate

Collector Appeal

The larger surface gives the 'Rockingham' bird and surrounding flowers room to be seen in full. It also stands comfortably on its own as a decorative piece.

Other 'Rockingham' pieces from the shop: trio, milk jug and open sugar bowl.

Long after the last slice has been taken, the bird and flowers remain.