UNIQUE FIGURAL POTTERY DISH...NEED ID!

Good Evening! I acquired this piece at a local auction and thought it was quite unique for the time period.  The Rd No is 203769 which dates this, I believe, to 1892. It is about 16 3/4" long. I would appreciate some idea about what style this may be or if it rings a bell with you regarding a specific maker. Thanks so much Linda

I know....It's driving me crazy because it is so unusual for the time period....

Does the fact that it has an Rd No make it english?

What a curious looking thing!

i think it's English Staffordshire, and as you mentioned, the registration date is for 1892.
http://www.thepotteries.org/mark/reg.htm
The National Records office at Kew near London would hold the record of which company registered that design. There are probably books you can buy which tell you that info, but i don't have one i'm afraid.


I'm wondering if it's a strange stand for a joint of meat? or perhaps a meat terrine type of dish like jellied meaty pate (not being a meat eater myself, i'm not familiar with the type of thing Victorian carnivores tucked into). The animal head shape looks folky, European , but the white base could easily be an English design. A real conundrum. If you don't mind, i'll tweet a pic to Steven Moore who may be able to shed some light.

have just had a conversation with Steven Moore (Antiques Roadshow ceramics expert) and he was as flummoxed as us. He thinks it may be more towards the 1860s although the registration certainly points at 1890s. He also suggested contacting the records office at Kew.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/

Thank you everyone for trying to help!