Yellow Floral Cloche - Stoke on Trent

Name: Yellow Floral Cloche
 
Type: Covered Cheese/Butter Dish
 
Year: Circa 1890–1910 (Late Victorian to Edwardian period)
 
Set: No
 
Mark: Stoke on Trent - Bros. (Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England)
 
History: The backstamp clearly identifies this as a Stoke-on-Trent piece—an area world-renowned for pottery. “Bros.” refers to one of the several family-run Staffordshire potteries operating in the late 19th to early 20th centuries, utilizing “Bros.” in their marks (e.g., Grindley Bros., Johnson Bros.). The presence of "Stoke on Trent" confirms its authenticity as part of the Staffordshire tradition.
 
 
The form—rectangular with domed, shell-embossed cover and ornate green handle—is typical for cheese/butter dishes from this era. The pattern, featuring bright yellow primroses and foliage, was applied via transfer-print and enhanced by hand. The underplate features a green sponged border. The cheerful floral design and pastel ground were fashionable for breakfast and tea wares around 1900.
 
 
The piece displays restoration on the plate’s rim, areas of chipping/filler, and visible crazing, which are common in utility wares of this age. These factors lower the collectible value but do not diminish its appeal for decorative purposes, especially with the floral motif remaining vibrant.
 
 
Stoke-on-Trent cheese domes with original underplates are attractive to collectors of English kitchenalia and decorative ceramics. Those in excellent condition fetch higher prices, but examples with restoration are still desirable for display.
 
Flaws: Visible crazing and some discoloration due to age