Q: Enclosed is a photo of the dishes I used as a child in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Each dish is marked on the back with the words "Fondeville — Ambassador Ware — England — Reg. U.S. Pat. Off." On the cup and the plate are the words, "The Buttercup Fairy is ever so shy. If even a bunny dares to spy." On the bowl are the words "Queen of the Fairies, Titania Rose, Scolding two elves, who look at their toes."
I have not found this pattern on any online website. I would like to know the value of my set.
A: Your child's set of dishes was made by Ambassador Ware in England and distributed in the United States by the Fondeville and Co., which was located in New York. Fondeville and Co. was founded by Eugene L. Fondeville around 1942. They were the distributor for Laurelton, Ambassador and Embassy wares. Ambassador Ware was made by Soho Potteries in Staffordshire, England. Soho Potteries were founded in 1901 and they were bought by American stoneware manufacturer, Pflatzgraff and Co.
Your circa-late-1940s set would probably be worth $25 to $50.
Q: This is the mark that is on the bottom of a porcelain demitasse set. The set is a service for 6 and includes a coffee pot, a covered sugar bowl, a cream pitcher, dessert plates, cups and saucers. They are decorated with a cobalt blue glaze and embellished with gold. The set has been in our family for generations and is in mint condition.
Please tell me the year my set was made and its estimated value for insurance purposes.
A: Martial Redon and Co. made your set in Limoges, France, around 1891. Redon took over the porcelain factory, Gibus and Redon, in 1882 and changed the name to "M. Redon." They produced fine dinnerware, as well as decorative pieces and art objects. When he died in 1890, his son ran the company and continued to use the same marks until around 1902.
Your set should be insured for $1200 to $1500.
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