Rare Antique Wileman Foley China Trio \"Pink Trailing Ivy\" Cup Saucer Plate c1896 For Sale

Antique Foley China \"Pink Trailing Ivy\" Trio Cup Saucer Plate Wileman c1896

Item Description:

ANTIQUE FOLEY CHINA (WILEMAN & CO.) \"TRAILING IVY\" PINK TRIO — CUP, SAUCER & BREAD & BUTTER PLATE, c.1896

A charming antique bone china trio in the sought-after \"Trailing Ivy\" pattern, in its extremely rare soft pink and apricot-gold colourway, by The Foley China — the trade name used by Wileman & Co. of Staffordshire, the company that later became the renowned Shelley Potteries.

Pattern & Decoration:
Delicate trailing ivy sprays scattered across a white ground in soft pink with touches of apricot/gold. Each piece has a gently scalloped, wavy rim, finished with a fine gilt edge line. The cup interior is plain white. The Pink Ivy is a very rare colourway.

Backstamp:
Printed in green — \"THE FOLEY CHINA, ENGLAND\" beneath a crown, with the interlaced Wileman & Co. monogram, and \"Rd No. 272101,\" a British design registration number dating this trio to circa 1896.

History:
The Foley China Works was established by the Wileman family in Staffordshire in the 1860s. Trading as Wileman & Co. from the 1870s, the firm used \"Foley China\" as its backstamp for decades before officially adopting the Shelley trademark in 1910, and becoming Shelley Potteries in 1925 — one of England\'s most celebrated bone china makers. This trio predates the Shelley name and is an early example from the same lineage.

Measurements:

• Cup: Height 5.7cm, Width 8.5cm (+ handle)
• Saucer: Width 14cm
• Bread & Butter Plate: Width 18cm

Condition:
Excellent overall condition. A few small raised spots are present, consistent with kiln/firing imperfections from manufacture rather than damage — please see photos, which form part of the description. No chips, cracks or repairs noted.

*** I have listed another Trio from the same Set if you are interested in having a matching Pair!