Old English Johnson Bros Chadwell Pattern Appraisal

Johnson Bros. \"Old English\" 'Chadwell' Ceramic Plate (Backstamp)

The item is the back of a ceramic plate, likely earthenware or ironstone, given the common materials used by Johnson Bros. for their 'Old English' patterns. The primary color visible is off-white or cream, which serves as the background for the manufacturer's mark. The mark itself is printed in a dark blue or teal underglaze, featuring the words 'Old English' in a serif script above a stylized crown. Below the crown, 'JOHNSON BROS' is printed in bold capital letters, followed by 'ENGLAND' in a smaller font, indicating its country of origin. Further below is the word 'BY' in larger capitals, and then 'CHADWELL' in red, enclosed in single quotation marks. The red 'CHADWELL' suggests a specific pattern name or designer associated with the 'Old English' line. To the upper right of the main mark, there is a small, distinct blue symbol resembling a four-pointed star or cross, which could be an inspector's mark, a decorator's mark, or an internal factory code. The plate appears to be in good overall condition, with no immediate visible chips, cracks, or significant crazing, though a full assessment would require viewing the front and edges. There are a few small dark flecks on the surface, possibly minor manufacturing imperfections or lint. The 'Old English' line by Johnson Bros. dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, suggesting an estimated age of approximately 100-150 years. The clear and crisp printing of the backstamp indicates good quality control during manufacturing. The crown symbol prominently featured in the mark is a common design element for royal warrants or to connote quality and heritage.