Charles Allerton & Sons England C.1890 Pattern 780 Child's Set

Description

This antique children's transferware dates to 1890. The creamer stands 3-1/4" tall. Each of the 4 bowls measures 4-1/2" diameter, and each of the 6 plates measure about 5-1/2" in diameter. The set was made by Charles Allerton & Sons, a pottery manufacturer in the Staffordshire region of England, well known for his whimsical children's tea sets. The influence of the Aesthetic movement on the pattern designs captures the Victorian love of nature and the exotic. The set was originally part of a complete miniature teaset. The color is a rich sepia or dark chocolate brown.
The set depicts young Little Mae sitting on a step in a doorway with a kitten on her lap, a cat drinking milk from a bowl, a dog sitting beside her and a bird looking on from overhead. This endearing scene is framed by an aesthetic background of flowers, birds and lots of geometrical whimsies (and a little boy hidden on the creamer). The rims are decorated with a criss-cross border and fruit trim. This set makes a wonderful addition for a fanciful collection.
The bowls and plates are marked with pattern number 780 and registration number 106741, registered to the Staffordshire pottery maker Charles Allerton in the last quarter of the 19th century.
The set is in great condition with no chips cracks or repairs. The set contains stilt marks and other minor imperfections - glaze ponding, transfer wrinkles, kiln dust - all original to the making and consistent with the typical naïve 19th century childrens' wares. The workmanship is haphazard -- not fine china and not meant to be; it was made for kids, and probably considered disposable. The floral band is not aligned as well as it might be; some has bled onto the white spaces on the plate; other imperfections, all cases of nineteenth century factory indifference. The transfers are crude in application, adding to their folksy charm. Children's brown aesthetic transferware is hard to find and highly sought after, especially in this whimsical pattern. This little set will make a stunning collection, or add them to any existing collection of toys and children's ware. Little Mae patterns were made for the American market and are as popular today as they were when they were first sold.
Note: in the fan array photo, one of the plates is reflecting the light above it.  The image is still fine, as in the other plates.  This set is not perfect, nor should it be--it's approximately 128 years old.  It was handed down to me from an aunt but now I have no one who appreciates the value in this sweet set.