Shelley | 'Rosebud' | Bone China Tea Trio | Pattern 13426 | England, c. 1945–1966

Shelley | 'Rosebud' | Bone China Tea Trio | Pattern 13426 | England, c. 1945–1966

Small roses scattered as if someone had shaken a posy over the china.

Shelley of Longton, Staffordshire, made fine bone china until 1966, when the firm was taken over by Allied English Potteries. 'Rosebud' is one of its scattered floral patterns: small pink roses and sprays of blue flowers set across a plain white ground. The green "Fine Bone China" backstamp is consistent with Shelley's post-war production, broadly dating this trio to c. 1945–1966.

The trio comprises a teacup, saucer and side plate. The cup has a tall, gently flaring body and a pale green handle, with a small floral spray inside the rim. Pink roses and rosebuds, accompanied by green leaves and smaller blue and pink flowers, are scattered across all three pieces, each finished with a fine pale green edge line. The green shield backstamp reads "Fine Bone China Shelley England", together with "Rosebud" and "Ptn. No. 13426".

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

Key Details

• Maker: Shelley, Longton, England
• Pattern: 'Rosebud', pattern no. 13426
• Date: c. 1945–1966 (backstamp)
• Material: bone china
• Pieces: teacup, saucer and side plate
• Marks: green shield backstamp "Fine Bone China Shelley England", "Rosebud, Ptn. No. 13426"
• Weight: 357 g per trio
• Condition: excellent; no chips, cracks or crazing
• Buyer profile: Shelley collectors, and anyone setting a light, floral afternoon tea table

Collector Appeal

'Rosebud' shows Shelley's lighter touch: a scattered pattern that leaves plenty of white china between the flowers, finished with pale green edging and a matching handle. The named backstamp and pattern number provide useful identification for collectors seeking companion pieces.

A rosebud never quite opens on china, which is why it still looks like morning.