This is a charming and rare ceramic trinket box, likely produced by Portland Pottery in Cobridge, Staffordshire, England. The piece celebrates traditional agricultural themes, featuring the iconic "God Speed the Plough" farmer's poem on the inside of the lid.
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Key Features:
Design: The trinket box features a rural, agricultural motif centered around the "God Speed the Plough" theme, a well-known phrase associated with good fortune and prosperity in farming communities.
Poem: The inside of the lid bears a printed version of the "God Speed the Plough" poem, possibly accompanied by decorative motifs.
Base Mark: The base is simply marked "Made in England," with no maker’s mark or registration numbers visible.
Size: Approx 10cm x 8cm x 4cm
Condition: Excellent. There are no chips, cracks, crazing, or wear to the glaze
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Historical Context:
Portland Pottery, based in Cobridge, was known for producing high-quality ceramic items with decorative themes celebrating English traditions. Pieces featuring "God Speed the Plough" were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often used as commemorative or decorative wares. Trinket boxes with this theme are particularly rare, making this an intriguing collector's item.
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Additional Notes:
While Portland Pottery pieces are usually well-marked, the lack of a full stamp could indicate a special edition, custom order, or a smaller production run. The simplicity of the "Made in England" stamp suggests it dates to the early-to-mid 20th century when such markings were common for export purposes.