Did you know that you need to be a bit of a detective when collecting teacups? This is a pretty Paragon, England cup and saucer with hand colored enamel in a variation of the Indian tree design with a very unusual wedding bell border which is very unusual with this type of a pattern.
That's what began the detective saga. The teacup bears the Royal Warrants for Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth who are the mother and grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II, and that was what gave me the clue. The cup and saucer therefore dates from 1937 to 1952. Princess Elizabeth met Philip Mountbatten in 1939 and married in 1947. I actually found a reference to the design dedicating it to the Royal Wedding of Elizabeth and Philip so I knew I had been right. Isn't that fun?
There was a bit of history about the design choice as well. As it was wartime and skilled workers were difficult to find, and the wedding was planned in a relatively short time, the design was in fact recycled from an existing design, color changed and the wedding bell border added for the engagement. So...it's amazing what history may be in your teacups!
To see more info on the Princess Elizabeth Paragon teacup at Time Was Antiques, click on the photos.
I'm joining the following tea related blog parties and others. Love Tuesday!
Martha~ http://www.marthasfavorites.com/
Teacup Tuesday
Terri~ http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com/
Teacup Tuesday
Teacup Tuesday
Terri~ http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com/
Teacup Tuesday
Wanda Lee~ http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/
Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday
Pam~ http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com/
Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday
Wanda Lee~ http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/
Tea For Two and Wednesday Tea For Me and Thee
Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday
Pam~ http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com/
Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday
Wanda Lee~ http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/
Tea For Two and Wednesday Tea For Me and Thee
Teatime Tuesday
6 comments:
OMG ..This is such a beautiful cup and saucer set .... It seems many of us are posting " oaragon' china this week.. What fun!!!! ...Hugs
What a gorgeous tea cup and saucer! A beautiful post with your Oregon china. Have a sweet week.
FABBY
Fascinating. Paragon makes such fabulous designs and this one is really stunning. I am sharing Paragon this week too : )
Thanks so much for showing us your tea cup.
Hugs,
Terri
This is very pretty - and I enjoy learning what all you tea detectives learn about your cups and pretties.
I love this cup! You are amazing. I wish I had your knowledge. Thank you for sharing it with us. You are the best! Martha
Hi Ruth,
Your Paragon tea cup and saucer is gorgeous and with that association to royalty even more interesting!
I loved to read your explanation and
I'd just like to add that Queen Elizabeth II's marriage to Phillip Mountbatten took place in 1947. In 1939 she met him and fell in love with him, but she was only 13 then.
Thanks for sharing.
Hugs
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