Paragon | 'Rockingham' | Red Bone China Tea Trio | c. 1939–1949
Crimson panels picked out in gold, opening on bright bouquets, with an exotic bird hidden in the bowl of the cup.
Paragon, of Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, was among the English china makers granted royal warrants during the 20th century. This trio 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 trio comprises a teacup, saucer and side plate. The cup is wide and footed, with a gilt-lined handle. The borders of all three pieces alternate crimson panels, scattered with small gilt sprigs, and white reserves of mixed flowers, roses, tulips and forget-me-nots, divided by gilt rococo scrolls. In the centre of the plate and the bowl of the cup is an exotic bird among flowers. An outer floral band runs round the cup, and all three pieces have gilt rims. 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 trio 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: tea trio (teacup, saucer and side plate)
- Decoration: crimson panels with gilt sprigs and rococo scrolls; floral reserves; exotic bird centre; gilt rims
- Marks: Paragon, double royal warrant (H.M. The Queen & H.M. Queen Mary), "Fine Bone China England Regd.", "Rockingham"
- Dimensions: plate diameter 15.7 cm; cup height 6.5 cm
- Weight: 404 g per trio
- Quantity: five matching trios available; price is per trio
- Condition: excellent; no chips, cracks, crazing or restoration
- Buyer profile: collector of Paragon or royal-warrant china; someone building a mixed vintage tea table; buyer who wants several matching trios
Collector Appeal
The double royal-warrant backstamp places this trio within a recognisable period of Paragon's history. The red colourway, gilt scrollwork and floral decoration give 'Rockingham' a particularly elaborate appearance. With five matching trios available, it can be gathered into a small tea service or collected individually.
Two queens are named under every saucer; the cup above was made to serve whoever came to tea.
