ceramic trinket box(?) - Royal Crown Derby style pattern but no stamp

[PeteP]

Hi. So here's my first unidentified item that I need help with. Hopefully this is a simple one for some of you.

I bought this on a whim because I thought I recognised the style based on some Royal Crown Derby dishes that I got in a job lot, but as it's a long way from my usual era and style I'm quite lost with is. I've done my usual Google searches but can't find one similar in pattern or shape, let alone identical. There is no stamp other than the couple of numbers (which were similar to my RCD hence my purchase), and the closest I've seen to the pattern was Madison Regency, but my item looks older and/or not as well finished.

The pattern is transfer with hand painted finishes.

The box is about 6x4", heavily crazed with well stained underglaze, the fish handle is missing the tail but still shows signs of some gilding. Overall it's not in good condition but I'd rather not throw it away just because I can't identify it or because it's damaged. At the very least I'd like to know what it is.

Any help in identifying it would be gratefully received. If I need to add more info I'll do my best to provide it.

Cheers.

[PeteP]

I have no idea why the photos have imported upside down. They looked fine on my computer and when I open them up from the link they are the right way up.

[mart]

Ha !!  we don`t know why they are upside down either !!  Your box is very poorly done for RCD !! I would think a similar look by a company trying to pass as RCD !!  Poor glazing may account for aged look !! May have had a paper sticker !!  These items were rarely given pattern names !!  But Ipcress would know more about it !!

[KC]

I have no idea why they are upside down.  However, when you click on the photo it enlarges right side up!   

[Ipcress]

19th century Staffordshire Imari pattern sardine dish and cover

Try googling for that. Maybe a company like Masons and not always marked if part of a dinner service.

[PeteP]

Thanks for replies, especially Ipcress.

Once I added the word "sardine" I found another example, and yes, it was Masons. Knowing what it is helps me value it - not much given the damage and quality - and now I may find somebody who'll appreciate ending it. It was a cheap impulse buy so I'm not worried about making money on it.

Thanks again.

[mart]

Well,, I would not have thought about a sardine dish !! Just looked like a poorly done trinket box to me !! Although I couldn`t figure a fish handle for a trinket box !!

[KC]

Ditto the sardine dish!