Among the most desirable of all ‘Prattware’ transfer printed wares are the series of very rare and highly decorative advertising plaques produced for firms such as Crosse & Blackwell and Huntley & Palmers.
The example offered by Kinghams (23% buyer’s premium) in Moreton-in-Marsh on October 6 was by TJ & J Mayer, a commercial rival to F&R Pratt of Fenton, the leading manufacturer of pot lids and a huge range of related wares. It was part of a collection of pot lids and associated wares that (although the estimates did not suggest it) included a number of rarities.
While not obvious from the image of three Victorian ladies enjoying the theatre, this 9 x 6in (22 x 16cm) plaque promotes the merits of Rowland’s Odonto, a tooth-whitening product.