At the beginning of the 19th century, tea bowls were going out of fashion and the handled tea cup was introduced. There were several English pottery manufacturers in England, many of them being based around the middle of England, particularly in Staffordshire. Tea drinking became a popular pastime of the priviliged. and society ladies would put on an elaborate display of their finest china.
 
This is an example of fine quality teaware from the begining of the 19th century. Each piece is hand painted and gilded with 22ct gold. The cup has an angular handle and was refered to as the London shape. During this period it was common for a service to be produced with one saucer and two different sized cups, the larger shallower cup for tea and the smaller cup for coffee or hot chocolate. Included in this set, is 2 tea cups, 2 chocolate or coffee cups, 2 saucers and a large serving plate. This service would have only been used by wealthy households.
 
There are no chips or cracks to the pieces. As it is decorated with gold and this rubs easily there is some minor loss of gilding
 
Dimensions:
Tea cups 9cm diameter
Chocolate cup 7.5cm diameter 
Saucer 15cm diameter
Serving plate 22cm diameter