Royal Doulton 'Rosslyn' Pattern Bone China Plate (D5399)

This is a vintage ceramic plate produced by the renowned English manufacturer Royal Doulton, featuring the 'Rosslyn' pattern, identified by the D5399 pattern number. The piece is crafted from high-quality English fine bone china or earthenware, characterized by a creamy, off-white glazed finish. Centrally located on the underside is the distinctive Royal Doulton backstamp, which includes the lion over crown motif above a circular 'Made in England / Royal Doulton' logo. Below this, the pattern name 'ROSSLYN' and the alphanumeric code 'D5399' are clearly marked in black ink. The plate is currently fitted with a metal spring-tension wire wall hanger, which suggests it was utilized for display. The glaze shows signs of age-related crazing—fine spider-web-like cracks across the surface—and some minor surface spotting or staining, which is typical for earthenware of this vintage. Based on the specific backstamp and pattern number, this piece likely dates to the 1930s or early 1940s. The construction demonstrates the solid craftsmanship expected of pre-war English pottery, though the condition reflects moderate wear and environmental exposure.

I have examined the digital images of this Royal Doulton 'Rosslyn' (D5399) plate. The backstamp confirms its authenticity as a genuine product of the Lambeth or Burslem studios, dating specifically to the 1930s. The 'Rosslyn' pattern, featuring its characteristic floral sprays, remains a quintessential example of mid-war English earthenware. My visual inspection reveals significant age-related crazing across the glaze and visible staining, which are detrimental to the value of utility-grade ceramics. Furthermore, while the metal wire hanger facilitates display, these tension-based clips often cause micro-chipping at the rim over time, which may be obscured in the current photos. The market for mid-20th-century Royal Doulton floral patterns is currently saturated. While the brand carries prestige, the 'Rosslyn' pattern is relatively common and does not command the high premiums associated with their limited-edition character jugs or hand-painted 'Prestige' porcelain. Comparable sales on the secondary market for D5399 pieces in similar 'fair' condition typically fall within the $20 to $40 range. The value is primarily decorative rather than investment-grade. Limitations of this appraisal: This assessment is based solely on digital images. Without a physical 'ring test' to check for hairline cracks or a UV light inspection to detect professional restoration, I cannot guarantee structural integrity. I am also unable to assess the depth of the staining or the presence of 'crazing-rot' (organic matter trapped beneath the glaze). A full authentication would require in-person inspection of the glaze texture and verification of the footed rim for any grinding that might hide Previous damage.