A rare and attractive late Victorian Derby (King Street) inkwell in four parts, a drum shaped well with removable inner well, cover and a separate stand all decorated in a Rose Barbeau pattern of trailing and flowing roses, cornflowers and foliage enhanced with gilt sprays. Both inkwell and base hand painted underneath in red with the King Street factory mark of a crown, stylised D and crossed swords together with the initials S and H.

For an identical inkwell see Blackwood and Head ' Old Crown Derby China Works, The King Street Factory 1849-1935 ' Page 388.

In 1848, after the death of its proprietor Robert Bloor, the original Derby factory was closed and the assets disposed of. Shortly afterwards six former employees got together, acquired premises in King Street, Derby and in 1849, under the title "Old Crown Derby China Works" or as they became known "Derby (King Street)" began making  fine porcelain in the Derby tradition. In the mid 1860's, following a change of ownership it became Stevenson and Hancock, a fact commemerated in the backstamp initials S and H. They continued producing fine hand decorated porcelain until their closure in 1935.

Date: Circa 1895.

Height: 3 1/2 inches ( 9cm.)  Width of stand  6 inches ( 15cm.)

Condition: Excellent. No damage, restoration or wear.

Item No. 1962.

Price: £ 395