Oh yeah, now you all think I'm going to China, right? Well, actually it's not that exciting...
When I was married I inherited two China sets, the one that I have from Scott's Grandmother who was an Army wife and (obviously) had enough China to feed an army. Seriously, I have 20 place settings in that pattern. It is a beautiful pink rose pattern, perhaps not what I would have chosen myself (I'm partial to my mother's very simple ivory and gold set) but it is beautiful and I am very grateful.
The other set is by WH Grindley and it was owned by my Great-Grandmother (my mother's mother's mother) and she divided her sets (she had two) in half and gave half to each daughter. (She technically had three daughters, but I believe only two were living by the time she gave away her China). I have just sent it off to Replacements.com to identify the pattern - as I have been unable to find it online. I have to admit this is the favorite pattern I own, although it is rather gaudy in it's own way.
So I hope to hear back from Replacements soon and solve the mystery of the pretty plates...
Posted by 10lees at September 7, 2008 11:58 AMoh my, i dont think it's too gaudy at all. i think it's really neat! i inherited my dad's mom's set - he actually bought it for her years ago. and i have to say, my dad had great taste. it's this gorgeous bone color with silver and a very small rim of subtle flowers. it's odd how things get passed down, but i really enjoy knowing the story of it! make sure your kiddos know what's up with that rose pattered set!
Posted by: dr gonzo at September 8, 2008 08:23 AMI always loved the rather pheasant looking bird in the middle of the plate. I'll give you my lovely gold and white someday. Hey did you physically send the plate off or just a pic online?
Love, Mom
I think this is it, right?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-W-H-Grindley-Athens-Shape-Braintree-Gravy-Boat_W0QQitemZ220278825905QQihZ012QQcategoryZ25QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I searched W.H. Grindley on ebay. Looks like the pattern name is Braintree.
I think I found it on Replacements, too.
http://www.replacements.com/webquote/GRIBRA.htm
On Replacements, it's under Grindley rather than W.H. Grindley.
I think I see birds around the edges anyway. I haven't been feeling well, so I have a lot of couch time on my hands.
Enjoy!
Posted by: Lo at September 9, 2008 10:47 AMAlso, it is beautiful, and I love it, though my favorite china pattern right now also has birds on it, so I may not be an impartial judge. :) I don't think it's too gaudy.
Posted by: Lo at September 9, 2008 10:50 AMYou're right - the 'braintree' is the correct pattern name. Although I never would have guessed that to be the correct pattern.
So if I inherit your plates too (mom) then I'll have an abundance of plates! I will just have to have some kids to pass them onto.
Posted by: 10lees at September 10, 2008 08:26 AM