CLASSIC BLOCK OPTIC Antique Ironstone Sauce Boat Circa 1890

This classic Block Optic design antique ironstone SAUCE BOAT by J & G Meakin of Staffordshire, England, circa 1890, is in excellent condition with no visible chips, cracks, or crazing. The design features a squared-off look sometimes referred to as Mitered Block. The piece can be identified by the stamped early J & G Meakin trademark featuring the Royal Arms with a lion rampant, the words Ironstone China, and location Hanley, England.

Measuring 4” high from bottom to top of handle, 3 ⅛" high body only, and 7 ½” wide from handle to spout, this item is an ideal acquisition for antique ironstone or farmhouse decor collections.

The piece is in wonderful condition and free of chips, cracks and crazing.  There is a discoloration spot on the bottom and pinpoint dots of discoloration inside, which are common to antique ironstone.  I have not attempted to brighten them and am leaving that option up to the buyer. 

About Meakin Ironstone: The Meakin brothers, James and George, sons of James Meakin of Hanley, were master potters. In 1851 they opened a pottery firm to produce an inexpensive, plain, and durable "uniform hard white earthenware," called granite. After the end of the American Civil War, James, a shrewd businessman, saw potential in American imports. Within a decade, J & G Meakin had almost cornered the market of ironstone china in the United States. James Meakin passed his expertise on to his sons James and George, as well as sons Alfred, Charles and William. Moreover, James's son-in-law, Robert Johnson, was also a master potter, and it was his sons Henry, Robert, and Fred who established Johnson Brothers.