Maybe railroad set...? vintage Haviland, Limoges & Noritake... green with Gold "R"?

[denniscmcgrath]

but the professional decorators used the same decals. No one hand-paints gothic letters (I hope!).

I think it's safe to say a) they're not restaurant, b) they were decorated by someone who signed themselves RR '13, c) that person may have been an amateur or may have been a decorator associated with a local china shop (my theory).

-d

[Jackie]

but the professional decorators used the same decals. No one hand-paints gothic letters (I hope!).

I think it's safe to say a) they're not restaurant, b) they were decorated by someone who signed themselves RR '13, c) that person may have been an amateur or may have been a decorator associated with a local china shop (my theory).

-d

Totally agree with that!

[krisbaker]

Strangely, I saw some pieces (with the initial "A") at an upscale thrift store today. I looked at them closely, and noticed that they, too, were from several manufacturers. The "A" was clearly a decal, and the gold borders looked professonally applied; it would take a jigger or other device to allow such even lines.

I have an alternate idea: jobbers.
People ordered the china from a store, based on the shape and usage -- and the store had a jobber do the decoration. If a piece broke, or they wanted more, they'd order more from the store.

That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it.

[denniscmcgrath]

that's more or less what I meant, kris, but you said it better. china companies had decorators; there were companies devoted solely to decorating; some china stores had decorators on staff, and some had 'jobbers' they could call upon. they're all professional decorators. The initialling RR '13 actually suggests a jobber, someone who wanted to mark his work - factory decorators usually weren't permitted individual marks.

(This might be the work of a talented amateur but they usually sign their whole name. If this decorator were an amateur, it's ikely she was one who had done this enough times that she no longer felt any need to see her name 'in lights,' so to speak).

[krisbaker]

that's more or less what I meant, kris, but you said it better.

Why thank you! If you were closer, I'd give you pie.