Identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
A striking vintage English fine bone china teacup and saucer featuring a rich emerald teal exterior glaze, gilded fluting and handle, and an interior floral transfer of a yellow rose. Marked on the underside with the 'Elizabethan' hand-decorated backstamp.
Story
"Elizabethan" was a trade name used by Taylor & Kent, a Staffordshire pottery established in 1867. The company specialized in fine bone china teaware and was later renamed Elizabethan Fine Bone China Ltd. in the late 20th century. This specific set, featuring vibrant solid-color glazes and floral transfers, is characteristic of their mid-to-late 20th-century production (c. 1960s-1980s).
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
Based on the provided description, the set appears to be in very good vintage condition with intact gilding and vibrant glaze. For teacups of this era, value is highly dependent on the absence of chips, cracks, crazing, or 'flea bites' along the rim.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
The secondary market for mid-20th-century English bone china teacups is saturated but maintains steady demand for highly decorative, brightly colored, or heavily gilded examples. While plain floral sets often struggle to exceed $10-$15, striking colors like emerald green, teal, or cobalt blue with heavy gold trim command a premium. Buyers are typically collectors of mismatched teacup sets for display, afternoon tea enthusiasts, or prop stylists.
▲ Vibrant emerald/teal green exterior glaze elevates the set above standard white floral teacups.
▲ Heavy gold gilding on the fluting and handle adds decorative appeal for collectors.
▲ Recognizable Staffordshire maker (Elizabethan/Taylor & Kent) with a clear backstamp.
▼ Unverified physical condition — any hidden hairline cracks, crazing, or chips would drop the value to near zero.
▼ Gilt wear — rubbing or fading of the gold trim on the handle or rim would push the value toward the $15-$20 floor.
Best Venue
List as a fixed-price Buy-It-Now on eBay or Etsy, targeting the $30-$35 range. Ensure the title includes key search terms like 'Elizabethan Bone China', 'Emerald Green', 'Yellow Rose', and 'Heavy Gold'. Take clear, well-lit photos of the gold trim and the maker's mark on the underside to reassure buyers of its condition and authenticity.
Upside Potential
If the set is part of a larger, pristine collection or if a buyer is specifically seeking this exact colorway to complete a set, it could reach the $40-$45 retail high-end seen on boutique antique sites like Ruby Lane.