Royal Albert | Bone China | Open Sugar Bowl | Old English Rose | England | Mid-20th Century

Royal Albert | Bone China | Open Sugar Bowl | Old English Rose | England | Mid-20th Century

A sugar bowl is rarely noticed while in use — and more often remembered once it has survived everything else.

Royal Albert was established at the Albert Works in Longton, Staffordshire, and became one of the most widely recognised names in English bone china tableware. The Old English Rose pattern is among its most enduring designs, defined by dense rose garlands in soft pink and deep crimson with green foliage on a cream ground. The brushed gilt edging is characteristic of mid-century production, applied to emphasise the scalloped forms typical of the range. The green crown backstamp reads “Royal Albert Bone China England” and is consistent with mid-twentieth-century production, although it does not establish an exact manufacturing date.

This open sugar bowl stands on a raised scalloped foot with a gently flared, matching scalloped rim. The exterior is decorated with the full Old English Rose garland, alternating rose blooms in deep crimson and soft pink, set against a cream ground with green foliage. A brushed gilt band runs beneath the rim, with further gilt accenting the foot. The interior remains plain cream with a gilt line following the rim profile.

The piece is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or crazing. The gilt remains intact throughout with no noticeable wear.

Key details

• Maker: Royal Albert
• Pattern/Model: Old English Rose
• Form: Open sugar bowl
• Material: Bone china
• Origin: England
• Date: Mid-20th century (attributed)
• Size: Height 6.5 cm | Diameter 11.9 cm
• Weight: 153 g
• Condition: Excellent; no chips, cracks, crazing, or wear

Collector Appeal

The scalloped foot, brushed gilt edging and continuous rose garland give this open sugar bowl a decorative character consistent with the wider Old English Rose service.

Other 'Old English Rose' pieces from the shop: trio, large teapot, cake plate, milk jug and 21-piece tea set.

A piece designed for continuity rather than attention — which is why it has lasted in so many cupboards.