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Friday, March 4, 2011

Steam Ship Travel Chinaware





When I'm out flitting around finding things, my eye is trained to white. My recent jaunt turned up a nice ironstone bowl. So beautiful and practical.



And somewhat less practical, but a bit more exciting to me were these square three inch creamers. Thrilling, because they are china from an old Cunard Line steamship from the 30's. Talk about romance!



I had to look twice at the mark because I suspected they were reproduction. After all, I am as far inland as is possible on the continent!



But the crazing and general condition told me they were the real thing. 



A close-up shows the details of the spout and handle designed to fit snuggly together en masse on a tray. A smart design for serving from the galley of a swaying ship. And such a beautiful clean-lined art deco design too.



I have taken too many pictures of them. Sort of like you do when you have an adorable brand new baby. And twins no less! Because I am entranced by travel motifs, like the authentic labels on old travel trunks.



If I had any doubts left about autheticity here, the lack of uniformity in the shape is one more verifyer. It hardly matters though. As interesting as they are to a travel nut they are not highly valued.



They are just one more artifact to fuel my wish to take a trans-atlantic steamer cruise some day. These days the crossings depart from the US only in spring, and return in fall. At least that was the case when I inquired about a dozen years ago. And I'm sure I would find plenty to occupy me between departures.



For now, these little babies will take their celebrated place among the creamware collection. Transporting me to the golden age of travel with just a glance. 






Hope you enjoy a bit of romance this weekend too!
Ciao for now!

Jacqueline

15 comments:

  1. I covet your sweet creamers!! And I love crazing. I have a collection of ironstone and cream ware...not much but it is a collection...with more than enough pitchers. :) And all my everyday china is heavy creamware. Next week my project is to take doors off of two kitchen cabinets and repaint and add some wood appliques. That way the open shelving will show my everyday cream dishes. (At least that's the plan) Have a wonderful weekend.

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  2. Oh Jacqueline these are priceless!! Yes romantic too. I love these ironstone pieces and the history they carry.
    This reminds me of a special piece I have as well that I should post about. It is a minature cream and sugar set , white with pink roses. It is from The Canadian Steamships!! I received this a few years back from an antique place. I sold alot of pieces for a local dealer so she gave it to me. It is darling to say the least!

    Pamela xo

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  3. Oh Jacqueline...these are SO cool. What an amazing find. I am so jealous! Maybe they were on The Queen Mary...don't you wish they could talk? Another great post as usual. Have a wonderful weekend. ~Ann

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  4. oh..THOSE are cool! VERY cool!

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  5. I love the sugar and creamer! What a fun and interesting thing to have in a white ironstone collection.

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  6. Love your new pieces....way cool. I've never seen that marking before....but it' neat!

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  7. I love the lines of these creamers, too...such a find! I think the markings are wonderful looking, too!

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  8. Those creamers are an amazing find! I am so very jealous.

    My favorite English uncle worked for Cunard for many years. He passed away a couple of years ago and I miss his stories of his adventures on the high seas.

    I am glad that these creamers have found their way to someone who will truly cherish them!

    P.S. Thanks for the info about the party at French Cupboard. I went right over there and joined in the fun. Merci!

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  9. These are just lovely Jacqueline! What a great find!
    Kim:)

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  10. Absolutely stunning, divine provenance, perfect design, the world's most perfect "color". . .

    Will you sell them or keep them? Difficult decision I would think.

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  11. Of value or not, they are just so cute you want to kiss them!
    Brenda

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  12. Oh Jacqueline, what a wonderful find!

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  13. Hi J,
    Congrats on the twins, they are darling little things:-))))
    Hugs,
    Bella

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  14. What a great collection. Don't you just love that pic of Bountiful. I was so missing seeing this shop in mags, no one shows it anymore and you can remember it used to be all the great mags, so I did a search and came across this pic and a few others. Maybe I'll do a post. I miss seeing this shop. Hope you've had a great Sunday, T

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