Established in 1899 as, The Star China Co. in Longton and introduced the trade name Paragon China in 1903. The firm changed its name in 1919 to The Paragon China Company, receiving royal patronage in 1926 from the Duchess of York and continuing through Queen Mary, the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth. In 1930 the company became incorporated as Paragon China Ltd. In 1960 the firm was acquired by Thoimas Wilde and sons and became part of Allied English Potteries in 1964. In 1972 it continued under Royal Doulton Tableware Ltd. and in 1989 the Doulton Group ceased use of the Paragon name incorporating its patterns into the Royal Albert brand. The Royal Albert brand has since been discontinued by the Doulton Group.
This item is a fine porcelain biscuit plate decorated with a pattern later used with minor modifications under the Royal Albert brand as “Hyde Park”. The Hyde Park pattern is blue however whereas the patterning on this cake / biscuit plate is pink banded with blue flowers and black swag as well as pink roses. The rim is scalloped while the pair of handles are decorated with embossed scroll motifs adorned in gold. The biscuit plate is marked with the first Paragon Fine Bone China mark carried over from the Star China Co.
The item is stamped underneath Paragon Fine Bone China Made in England.
One corner has a 0.5 cm hairline underneath. This is in the glazing only since it is not through the porcelain. Some fading of the gold trim on the rim has occurred as well.
Height: 3 cm, Diameter of base: 12.5 cm, Rim: 22.8 cm, Handle to handle: 23.5 cm
