Paragon | 'Rockingham' | Red Bone China Open Sugar Bowl | c. 1939–1949

Paragon | 'Rockingham' | Red Bone China Open Sugar Bowl | c. 1939–1949

Crimson and gold on the outside, and inside the rim a few flowers kept for whoever reaches for the sugar.

Paragon, of Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, was among the English china makers granted royal warrants during the 20th century. This bowl 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 round bowl has gently flaring sides, a slightly undulating gilt-edged rim and a low, raised circular foot, also edged in gilt. Crimson panels scattered with small gilt sprigs alternate with colourful bouquets of roses and smaller orange, blue and red flowers, the sections framed by gilt rococo scrollwork. Two smaller floral sprays decorate the inside of the rim. 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 bowl is in excellent condition, with no chips, cracks or crazing, and no wear to the gilding.

Key Details

• Maker: Paragon, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent
• Pattern: Rockingham, red colourway
• Date: c. 1939–1949 (by backstamp)
• Material: bone china
• Form: footed open sugar bowl
• Decoration: crimson panels with gilt sprigs and rococo scrolls; floral bouquets; sprays inside the rim; gilt rim and foot
• Marks: Paragon, double royal warrant (H.M. The Queen & H.M. Queen Mary), "Fine Bone China England Regd.", "Rockingham"
• Dimensions: diameter 10.5 cm; height 4.8 cm
• Weight: 93 g
• Condition: excellent; no chips, cracks or crazing; no wear to the gilding
• Buyer profile: collector of Paragon or royal-warrant china; someone completing a 'Rockingham' tea service

Collector Appeal

The double royal-warrant backstamp places this bowl within a recognisable period of Paragon's history, while its open form reveals the pattern both inside and out. The floral sprays within the bowl are a particularly pleasing detail.

Other 'Rockingham' pieces from the shop: trio, cake plate and milk jug.

Even the inside was given flowers, for the small ceremony of passing the sugar.