18th C Wedgwood Armorial Twin Handle Tureen & Underplate, Early Mark

Exquisite 18th Century Early Wedgwood Armorial Twin-Handled Tureen & Dish

Presented here is a refined and highly desirable 18th-century Early Wedgwood armorial twin-handled tureen with matching underplate. Bearing an early Wedgwood mark and displaying a distinguished armorial motif, this elegant set is a superb example of Georgian British ceramics and an exceptional opportunity for serious collectors of antique Wedgwood and fine porcelain.

Key Features

• Maker: Early Wedgwood
• Period: 18th Century (Georgian era)
• Type: Twin-handled tureen with matching underplate / dish
• Decoration: Armorial design
• Mark: Early Wedgwood mark
• Plate diameter: approx. 18 cm
• Condition: Tureen with staple repairs to handle and hairlines; plate in good condition

Design & Craftsmanship

This early Wedgwood tureen and dish set showcases the refined craftsmanship, balance, and proportion for which the Wedgwood factory quickly became renowned in the 18th century. The twin handles are gracefully formed, providing both elegance and practicality, while the armorial decoration suggests a commission or ownership connected to a distinguished family or institution. Such armorial pieces are particularly sought after in the antique ceramics market due to their historical resonance and visual impact.

The underplate, measuring approximately 18 cm in diameter, is designed to complement the tureen perfectly, providing a harmonious and complete presentation. Together, they form a unified service piece that would have been used for elegant dining and formal entertaining in the Georgian period.

Historical Significance

Early Wedgwood wares are highly prized for their place in the history of British ceramics. Produced during the formative years of the Wedgwood factory, pieces from this period capture the transition from traditional English earthenware to the more refined bodies and glazes that would establish Wedgwood as a leader in fine pottery. An armorial tureen and dish such as this reflects not only technical skill but also the social and cultural importance of dining rituals in the 18th century.

Armorial porcelain and pottery were often commissioned by aristocratic families or prominent individuals, making surviving examples tangible links to the past. This set embodies the taste, status, and refinement of the Georgian era, and offers a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine period piece with strong decorative and historical appeal.

Condition Report

As with many authentic 18th-century ceramics, this set shows signs of age and use, which form part of its character and provenance:

• Tureen: The tureen has staple repairs to the handle and visible hairlines. Staple repairs are a traditional and historically important method of restoration, commonly used in the 18th and 19th centuries to preserve valued pieces. These repairs are evidence of the piece’s long life and the esteem in which it was held.
• Plate / Underplate: The plate is in good overall condition, especially considering its age. Minor wear consistent with age and use may be present, but there are no major issues to detract from its display qualities.

Please examine all photographs carefully (if provided in the listing), as they form an important part of the description and will give you the best indication of the piece’s condition and charm.

Display & Collecting

This early Wedgwood armorial tureen and plate set is ideal for:

• Serious Wedgwood collectors seeking an early, armorial-marked example.
• Collectors of 18th-century British pottery and Georgian decorative arts.
• Interior designers looking for a statement piece with historic character for a traditional or eclectic scheme.
• Curated display cabinets, sideboards, and dining rooms where antique porcelain and pottery are showcased.

The elegant profile, subtle patina, and armorial design make this set a standout feature on a dining table, sideboard, or in a glazed cabinet. Whether displayed alone or as part of a larger collection of English ceramics, it offers both visual interest and conversation-worthy provenance.

Investment & Rarity

Authentic 18th-century Early Wedgwood pieces with armorial decoration are increasingly scarce on the market. Their desirability lies in the combination of maker, period, decorative motif, and condition. This tureen and dish, with its early mark and traditional period repairs, is a genuine antique with enduring appeal, suitable for both seasoned collectors and those looking to begin or enhance a focused collection of early Wedgwood.

Summary

• Original 18th-century Early Wedgwood armorial twin-handled tureen & underplate
• Early Wedgwood mark; classic Georgian British pottery
• Plate approx. 18 cm diameter
• Tureen with staple-repaired handle and hairlines; plate in good condition
• Highly decorative, historically significant, and increasingly rare

This is a refined and characterful antique Wedgwood set that gracefully balances historical authenticity, decorative charm, and collector interest. An excellent addition to any serious collection of fine English pottery.