Antique Pale Blue Earthenware Part Dessert Service circa 1830 possibly William Ridgway - low relief moulded pierced & gilded with handles five pieces

A most attractive part dessert service possibly from the renowned Staffordshire family and potter, William Ridgway and Co, dating from circa 1830 - during the late Georgian to William IV era in the early part of the nineteenth century. William Ridgway and Co operated from The Bell Works on the corner of Albion and Broad Street, Hanley, Stoke on Trent , in Staffordshire England, from 1830 until 1854.

The five pieces are made of a glazed, sky blue bodied earthenware with gilded detailing giving a simple yet very decorative effect. The largest item is a twin handled round low relief moulded comport or centrepiece with pierced detail and a wrythen or shanked pedestal stem. This superb piece stands approx 6 1/2 inches high and is 11 1/2 inches wide. Some American collectors may refer to this as a compote or a fruit bowl. As with the four other items in the set, there is a hand painted floral sprig at the centre as well as gilded highlights around the relief moulded rim and handles. There is also relief moulded detailing under the hand pierced diamonds and triangular shapes around the bowl. There are two minor chips to the foot rim.

There are two leaf shaped (some may refer to them as shell shaped), four footed low serving dishes or plates with integral handles and and these are approximately 9 1/4 inches wide. One of them has little indentations or short lines in the bowl that match with the position of the feet of the bowl - brought about by slight shrinkage from manufacture. The square shaped footed dish or plate is 9 1/4 inches wide and has integral handles. There is a fairly large chip under the rim of this plate.

Finally, there is a rectangular four footed dish or under plate with an attractive hand pierced border which is relief moulded on the inner side as well as the rim. There are two integral handles and it measures 10 5/8 inches wide. in very good antique condition.

Together, the set weighs 2.9 kg unpacked. A great, most attractive antique dessert set for both display and for use.