Alfred Meakin Royal Semi-Porcelain Gravy Boat with Underplate

This is a two-piece gravy boat and matching underplate set crafted from royal semi-porcelain by Alfred Meakin (Tunstall) Ltd. The design features a distinct octagonal 'clipped corner' shape indicative of the Art Deco influence of the late 1920s to early 1930s. The body is a creamy white glaze adorned with an ornate transferware pattern consisting of cobalt blue bands with gilded highlights, complemented by floral swags in shades of orange, yellow, and green. The registration number 742046 provided indicates the design was officially registered in 1928, placing the manufacture in the interwar period. The gravy boat features a high-arched handle with scrolled detailing and gilded accents. Physically, the set shows signs of vintage wear, particularly significant gilt loss along the scalloped rims and handle, which is common for utilitarian pieces of this age. There appears to be light surface crazing consistent with semi-porcelain firing. The craftsmanship is high-quality for mass-produced English earthenware of the period, showcasing the 'Kensington' or similar pattern styles popular for formal dining services. No major chips or cracks are visible from the primary angle, though the gilding is heavily rubbed.