Produced by Robinson & Son Pottery in Longton [c.1881], though not stamped. Other plates of this same "base" design, i.e. the royal blue rings on a child's size plate, were used by Robinson & Son as a canvas for various transfer ware applications and were broadly distributed in England and in America.
I have seen examples with transfers of an historic, comedic, and literary nature, all sized in a dish appropriate to a child. Likely designed to be either entertaining or educational, depending on the design. The Smithsonian owns an example with a central transfer of "The Pottery Art of Transfering," and, demonstrating their American appeal, there is a series depicting scenes of the American West, i.e. cowboys, buffalo, native Americans, etc.,
To our knowledge, the Pilgrim's Progress suite is the largest single collection. It is unclear from them whether or not these six compose the complete set, though we have been unable to trace another example of even one of the six, let alone another grouping.
Superb example of a 19th century catechetical device for the young. And very nicely preserved.
Each plate measures 6.5" in diameter. Some minor, attractive crazing as usual, and one very minor chip to the under-rim of one plate.
