Vintage Aynsley England Bone China Dinnerware "Lancaster Gray"

Available is this Vintage set of Aynsley England Bone China Dinnerware "Lancaster Gray" by John Aynsley. I have a total of 67 pieces available from this collection: 12 Dinner Plates; 12 Luncheon Plates; 12 Salad Plates; 10 Bread & Butter Plates; 12 Saucers; & 9 Cups (67 total pieces). One of the cups is damaged and has most of the handle broken off, but the cup itself is intact and unbroken; it would be easy to sand the stubs down so they are not noticed. I have listed that cup as a separate item in this listing. The Aynsley brand was established by John Aynsley (I) in 1775, in a small workshop in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. Not much is known about John Aynsley’s early life, but it is likely his parents were semi-elite landowners who helped him set up his Longton factory at the age of 23. Initially, Aynsley was known as an enameller, indicating he was at first a china decorator rather than a manufacturer. The company eventually moved into china production, although accounts vary with regards to the date. Some suggest manufacturing began as early as 1776, while others suggest 1788 as a more likely date. All agree, however, that by 1810 Aynsley and Company were producing their own china on Flint Street in Longton. Specializing in lusterware, by the time of his death in 1829 John Aynsley was credited with popularizing this type of porcelain “through the whole of the district”. John Aynsley’s son James continued the family business with limited success, and not much is known about him except that he died in 1841 and that his second eldest child entered the pottery trade around the same time. To add confusion, the original John Aynsley’s grandson was also named John Aynsley. Through the early-mid Victorian period, John Aynsley (II) subcontracted for various potteries in Staffordshire, before founding a factory (known as the ‘Portland Works’) in Longton in 1861. The second John Aynsley was also active in local politics, serving as Mayor of Longton between 1886 and 1890. Through the late 19th and early 20th century, Aynsley gained a reputation for quality in both Great Britain and abroad. The Tulip shape, one of Aynsley’s most popular patterns, was released in 1931 and was even ordered by Queen Mary. This pattern is highly sought after today and remains a quintessential example of the Art Deco style popular at the time. Arriving at the height of the Great Depression, Tulip was no doubt an expensive luxury inaccessible to the average family and as such remains elusive to this day. The Lancaster Gray pattern features a wide gray border, a pink floral design on white center, set inside a cream colored body. The cream body is separated from the white center by a simple gold line. The gray border is separated from the cream by an ornate gold metallic design and the scalloped edges are finished with additional gilding. The green Maker's Mark shows 'EST 1775' and and the bottom 'Bone China' is in script. This mark seems to have been used by Aynsley from 1939 to around 1960. Except for the one cup noted above, all pieces are in excellent condition and have been well cared for. There is very little shelf wear, minimal loss to the gold trim and no chips, cracks or crazing. This is a beautiful set of china! Because of the variety and quantity of pieces available, I have listed for sale the full 8 sets of 6-piece place settings with the extra pieces listed individually. The 6 pieces in the place settings are: One Dinner Plate, One Luncheon Plate, One Salad Plate, One Bread & Butter Plate, One Cup and One Saucer. If you need more individual pieces, please write me with your request. The following is a list of items available from the drop down list: * Large Dinner Plates, 10-3/4" Width (12 total) * Luncheon Plates 9-1/4" Width (12) * Salad Plates 8-1/4" Width (12) * Bread & Butter Plates, 6-1/4" Width (10) * Footed Cup and Saucer Sets (9), Cup: 3-5/8" Height x Saucers: 5-5/8" Width. One damaged cup All pieces are in excellent condition for their age. Please use the photos to assist your selection. These pieces will make a great statement to your dining table! I'll be happy to combine items for shipping and I have offered multiple piece discounts as well. Thank you. Ask first if seeking shipment outside of the USA.

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