Antique Staffordshire Princess Charlotte Memorial Tea Cup & Saucer: 1817 Puce Lustreware
£325.00
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This rare and highly collectible early 19th-century Staffordshire tea cup and saucer commemorates the tragic death of Princess Charlotte of Wales in 1817. Crafted in earthenware and decorated with striking black transfer prints and rich puce lustre bands, this poignant memorial set features powerful neoclassical imagery including Britannia mourning at a tomb, a weeping angel, and a globe. The words "TO THE MEMORY OF PRINCESS CHARLOTTE" are boldly inscribed in the central cartouche.
Produced shortly after the princess's death, this cup and saucer reflect the national grief that followed the loss of the young royal heir. Items like this were created as mourning memorabilia and remain powerful artefacts of Regency-era royal history.
The cup and saucer are both decorated in matching style, with hand-applied lustre to the rims, and crisply printed designs. Their refined forms and patriotic symbolism make them highly desirable to collectors of antique Staffordshire, royal commemoratives, and early 19th-century ceramics. A rare survivor of British royal mourning culture.
Historical Background
Princess Charlotte of Wales (1796-1817) was the only child of George, Prince Regent (later George IV), and Caroline of Brunswick. As heir to the throne, her death during childbirth caused widespread public mourning. Her passing led to a succession crisis and ultimately to the birth of Queen Victoria. Memorial objects such as this cup and saucer were sold across the country to commemorate Britain's lost queen.
Measurements
Cup: Height 6 cm / 2.36″, Diameter 8.6 cm / 3.39″
Saucer: Diameter 14.3 cm / 5.63″, Height 3.5 cm / 1.38″
Condition
Cup: Visible horizontal hairline crack on the side and another at the base. Losses to puce lustre and light wear to the printed imagery, but overall presents well for display and retains historical integrity.
Saucer: Small firing dot on the underside and minor lustre wear. No cracks or structural issues; excellent display condition.
Stand not included; shown for photography purposes only.
Shipping & Packaging
Fully tracked and insured delivery.
Shipping cost includes professional packaging, handling, and postage.
Carefully packed using recycled materials.
Please review all photos carefully, as they form part of the description and feel free to ask any questions.
Antique Staffordshire Princess Charlotte Memorial Tea Cup & Saucer: 1817 Puce Lustreware
£325.00
Produced shortly after the princess's death, this cup and saucer reflect the national grief that followed the loss of the young royal heir. Items like this were created as mourning memorabilia and remain powerful artefacts of Regency-era royal history.
The cup and saucer are both decorated in matching style, with hand-applied lustre to the rims, and crisply printed designs. Their refined forms and patriotic symbolism make them highly desirable to collectors of antique Staffordshire, royal commemoratives, and early 19th-century ceramics. A rare survivor of British royal mourning culture.
Historical Background
Princess Charlotte of Wales (1796-1817) was the only child of George, Prince Regent (later George IV), and Caroline of Brunswick. As heir to the throne, her death during childbirth caused widespread public mourning. Her passing led to a succession crisis and ultimately to the birth of Queen Victoria. Memorial objects such as this cup and saucer were sold across the country to commemorate Britain's lost queen.
Measurements
Cup: Height 6 cm / 2.36″, Diameter 8.6 cm / 3.39″
Saucer: Diameter 14.3 cm / 5.63″, Height 3.5 cm / 1.38″
Condition
Cup: Visible horizontal hairline crack on the side and another at the base. Losses to puce lustre and light wear to the printed imagery, but overall presents well for display and retains historical integrity.
Saucer: Small firing dot on the underside and minor lustre wear. No cracks or structural issues; excellent display condition.
Stand not included; shown for photography purposes only.
Shipping & Packaging
Fully tracked and insured delivery.
Shipping cost includes professional packaging, handling, and postage.
Carefully packed using recycled materials.
Please review all photos carefully, as they form part of the description and feel free to ask any questions.