Jeff and I were planning to work on the hall trim on his day off a couple of weeks ago, but the weather was rainy and cold and it was not the best day to set up a miter saw on the driveway. On top of that, I was pretty tired from the long workday I had with my parents. You can read about what we accomplished HERE. So, I suggested we go out to breakfast and then hit some antique and used furniture stores to see if we could find a piece to use as a printer stand and for office supply storage. Something for this spot…
So we went to a couple of my favorite local spots and, when I rounded a corner, I spotted ironstone. I am at the place in my ironstone collection where I only buy pieces that are really special, but I still have to look! I still love it and am drawn to it and I just can’t help but quicken my pace when I see it. And then I spotted not one, but three cake stands and it looked like they were authentic 1800s ironstone cake stands, which are the holy grail for ironstone collectors. I didn’t want to get my hopes up, though, because they could be reproductions.
I found a Martha Stewart ironstone cake stand reproduction this summer, but I have never, ever seen an antique ironstone cake stand “out in the wild.” The only 1800s ironstone cake stand I own was purchased on eBay almost 10 years ago for my birthday. (You can see that ironstone cake stand HERE.) The price was high even then, but antique ironstone cake stands in good condition are fetching over $1,000 these days.
As a side note, I do own two German ironstone cake stands from Dreamy Whites, but the German, Dutch, Belgian, and French varieties are much simpler in design and don’t command as high of a price tag as their English and American counterparts.
After turning them over to check the hallmarks, I confirmed that there were three antique ironstone cake stands from the 1800s sitting on a table before me. Here is a wrinkle…Jeff was with me and I was sure he would dissuade me from buying even one. He knew what he was looking at, though, and he remembered sitting next to me almost 10 years ago as I stressed over bidding on an ironstone cake stand. He’s seen lots of ironstone pieces come and go, but only one cake stand in over 20 years.
And here was the other factor that made me hesitate – the seller knew what they had. These weren’t priced at $35. But, they also weren’t priced at $1,000. They were running on what would be considered a very deep discount compared to what they are typically selling for, but they were still expensive and a splurge. With a kitchen renovation starting next month and a pool rehab project underway, we weren’t planning on dropping a chunk of change on ironstone.
But then, after almost 24 years of marriage, Jeff shocked me. “You have to get them.”
I looked over them, brought out my calculator (the booth was running a 20% off sale), and gave it all some thought. I decided I would just get the least expensive one, which was discounted because of a crack on the rim. I’ll leave the other two for someone else and refocus on finding a printer stand.
I also picked up some butter pats and a well-priced bowl.
I bought the ironstone I selected and we were about ready to leave and I felt a knot in my stomach. It was the kind of knot that tells me I’m going to regret leaving without those other two cake stands. I knew the likelihood of finding another one of these rare treasures at a price this good was very low. I know it happens. One of my blog readers found one at a yard sale for $5.00. My friend from Minnesota, Cheri, found one at an antique store for $35. But, in 20 years of hunting for ironstone, I’ve never seen one. Not even one that was expensive.
I looked over at Jeff and he could read my expression. “I have to get the other two. I just can’t pass them up.”
He smiled knowingly. “I knew we weren’t leaving without all three.”
I walked back to the booth quickly, certain that they had already been snapped up by someone else. They were still there, though, and I carefully picked up the heavy cake stands and carried them to the counter.
As was the case with the ironstone cake stand I bought nine years ago for my birthday, these were a splurge, but one I was happy to make. They are so rare and so special and I left the antique store on a cloud. I later learned from my friend who is a vendor there that the vendor selling the ironstone cake stands was selling off some of her own ironstone collection.
I think the smallest of the three cake stands is the real treasure of the bunch. Based on my research, it’s a unique size and it is in perfect condition. It’s made by JW Pankhurst, Stoke-on-Trent, and the hallmark dates the piece between 1852 – 1857.
The larger cake stand it’s sitting on is marked MP Co., which stands for Mercer Pottery. As an American manufacturer of ironstone, Mercer Pottery was founded in 1875 in Trenton NJ. Imported English ironstone was the fashion and preference at the time, so American manufacturers often used the royal coat of arms in their hallmarks and made similar patterns to English ironstone in order to woo customers. The hallmark on this cake stand dates it between 1875 – 1885.
The larger cake stand with the chip in the rim is made by Jacob Furnival, of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England, which operated from 1845-1871. I had a bit of difficulty dating this mark because I couldn’t find a mark that was exactly the same. Furnival seemed to be an ever-shifting business, so the mark changed with each partnership and when his sons joined the business. Furnival & Co., Furnival & Clarke, Furnivals, T & J Furnival, Furnival & Sons, and so on. Based on my research, this mark likely dates the cake stand between 1844-1860. If anyone has any additional information on this mark, I’d love for you to share it! (I have a book on ironstone marks, but it only covers American-made ironstone.)
Several people have asked if I’m going to sell any of them. At this point, no. They are just so hard to find that I want to hold onto them and enjoy them or now. Maybe one day…
If you’re interested in adding an ironstone cake stand to your collection, I would suggest starting with a European one. (Dreamy Whites carried them HERE.) You can find them for around $200 at this point and they are still beautiful, functional, and very nice antique and vintage pieces. If you want to buy an 1800s antique ironstone cake stand that was made in England or America, prepare to pay around $1,000+, which just seems insane for a cake stand, but that’s what they are commanding. THIS one is over $1,600! THIS one is $675, but it does have a large chip in it.
When sold online, they reach a broader audience of collectors, so your best bet at finding a bargain is hoping you’ll come across one at a shop, market, auction, or sale. You might get lucky and find one being sold by someone who doesn’t know what they have.
I shared my incredible finds on Instagram and this was the best comment…
I mean, she’s not wrong!
I did, however, find a washstand that was perfect to use as a printer stand. And, after my cake stand splurge, I was so happy to find a piece that was just what I had in mind and it was just over $100. Jeff was happy about that, too.
I’ll share how that looks in the studio in another post…
If you’re a stranger to ironstone, you can read more about it in THESE POSTS.
Wow, what a find! I think the ironstone fairy put those cake plates in your path and it was just meant to be. I can’t tell you how many times I have later regretted not buying something when I saw it, so I am happy you thought about it and went back and got the other two. I have some nice pieces of ironstone (although a small collection) and I never have seen an ironstone cake plate in the “wild” either. Milk glass cake plates are common but not ironstone.
I want to start collecting ironstone. Can you tell me from your research if the older pieces have lead in the finish??
Many antique dishes do contain lead, but the only way to know for sure is to test it. There are at-home testing kits for dishes that can be used. I have never tested any of my antique dishes. I just assume they do contain lead, so I either don’t put food directly on them (I’ll use parchment paper, a tea towel, etc.) or I’ll just use them sparingly. I don’t think using a bowl or plate here and there will be a major issue. It seems that consistent use over time is the main concern. If you want to use them daily or have any concerns or doubts, just test them to confirm.
So glad they have a good home, they are a treasure !
I have one suggestion about which one to keep for sure …
Jeff.
Thanks for all your inspiration.
I second that!
He is the true treasure here. ♥
I lived in Ireland for twelves years or so. I have a bunch of late 1800 fireplace tiles made in Stoke on Trent :)) Never looked for ironstone could kick myself
Those pieces are just lovely. Makes you wonder what other pieces that vendor might have since these came from her private collection. Now you’ll just have to paint a few more pieces to add to your upcoming sale!
The washstand looks like it’ll be perfect for the printer and supply storage. Aren’t you glad it rained that day? 🙂
OMG OMG OMG MARIAN! what a find! I am giddy for you! I could kiss Jeff myself. . . What a good guy. Not only did you get the score of the year but everytime you look at them you will have the sweetest memory of being supported by
Your person. That’s a win in my book any day of the week.
Enjoy them . . . You deserve them.
Much Love.
So very Happy for your great find! I started collecting Ironstone many years ago because of your blog. I’m really bummed I didn’t get to meet you at the Canterbury Antique Show when you lived in Minnesota as I only live 25 minutes from there. I’ve been reading your blog for so long. I’ve been enjoying all your posts about settling and making your new home work for you…I always look forward to your posts!
We’re I the vendor I would have traded for a few paintings done just for me! Anyhow, good find, the ironstone gods certainly were on your side that day. And since you have such a deep love for and understanding of their value, you’re the perfect new owner.
Love the little cupboard too.
Yes I was thinking about good husbands and how they know when it’s okay to have something your heart desires. I have a good one too.
I bought my early bird Lucketts Spring Market tickets today. Hope to run into you again.
Sometimes you just have to.
I’m drooling!! What a find!
What a find! I know they are in a good home. I recently downsized and have
to just enjoy others collections. My heart is happy for you.
Fantastic find! It was meant to be that you and Jeff decided to go out to breakfast and look for a stand for the printer. You have a special husband. I have one too. Enjoy your cake stands. Can’t wait to see what you do with them.
You are definitely correct about a Holy Grail. That is the only piece of Ironstone I do not have. I am going to Round Top so hopefully I will hit the my Holy Grail.
Marian,
I am so happy you went back and bought the remaining cake stands. It would have bothered you so much!!!
Congratulations on your find!
Enjoy your lovely cake stands!
Wow!!! they are so beautiful!! Good for you!!!
Wow can’t believe you actually found three. I have never seen any and I always brake for antique shops wherever I may be. I’m going to England this year (first time ever and so excited) and will definitely hit some shops. Even then I doubt I will find anything like that.
I have a few pieces of ironstone but didn’t realize what the were until I started following you…a pitcher, a sugar bowl and a little cream jug. However the other day at my fave thrift store where I seem to find everything, I found a milk pitcher with a stripe like grain sack for a grand total of twelve dollars. It’s not hundreds of years old, but it is old enough and I do plenty of shopping around but there just isn’t a plethora of ironstone here in Alberta. Anyway I was glad to find it and I understand your excitement over finding such rare treasures!
SCORE!!!! and keep Jeff! Enjoy!
What great finds!!!!!! So many beautiful pieces in that booth..I’m so jealous, living in Southern California, we don’t have many of those honey holes you mention.
Hug Jeff for me! I love that he was your cheerleader for buying them!!! Hero status!
Oops you did it again! Thanks for the date information and about the different manufactures. They are very nice and it is a miracle for the cake stands to have survived so well for such a long time, think how cumbersome it is to handle them to wash and dry.
The pieces also need quite some space to store. Now you must think about making an amazing dessert, Jeff’s favorite and send photos for us to enjoy from afar.
HOLY COW!!!! Be still my heart. I’m always looking for them but have never seen them for sale. And you found 3 in one place.
Oh my gosh. Like you, I WOULD have had to leave with all of them. WOW… is about all I can say… WOW
SCORE! You have made me a mad lady over ironstone!! I have scored many tureens paying as low as $3. for one and I love them; I’m drawn to it and scan a thrift store, antique store or yard sale for that creamy white first, then move onto other things. I have NO pitchers and am on the hunt for a few I feel deprived. TY for teaching and showing me the love of ironstone.
What a fun post. That was a treat for sure, to find not just one, but three wonderful cake stands. So as they say…let them eat cake!
They are beautiful!
I love researching china marks. Here’s what I found on your mystery piece:
Thomas Furnival (& Co) (1864-71) — the picture shown matches YOUR mark on this website:
http://www.thepotteries.org/allpotters/419.htm
If the web link doesn’t go through, google “furnival & co. marks” and look for “images”
(I’ve got a sweet spot for Furnival as I love looking at china whose pattern name is “Sharon” and they have a gorgeous brown floral pattern with my name from the late 1800s)
oh, and you can’t sell them. I mean, what else are you going to serve cake on at the showers for your boys’ future spouses? I mean, REALLY?!?
What a wonderful day you had with the man you love who so obviously loves you!
I grew up with ironstone used on a regular basis and remember people not knowing what I was talking about when I mentioned it. So glad I live in a world where people get excited about such things! My mother has a large collection of white ironstone but also one in a pattern called tea leaf – usually a decorative rim on the pieces with a tea leaf emblazoned on the center of a plate or front of a pitcher. The glaze is kind of bronze-colored like some lusterware. Have you seen it? She still has that collection but I found my first piece of tea leaf at a thrift store a few years ago, a small pitcher, for $5. I couldn’t call my mom fast enough, I was so excited! So nice when someone gets you. 🙂 I love my ironstone, some gifted, most thrifted and use it all the time. Thanks for sharing your treasures!
Wow, what a thrill! It’s these kinds of moments that make the thrill of the hunt so memorable. So glad you were able to “justify” buying them. Sometimes we just need a little splurge to make us smile, and we all know that you will treasure them and put them to good use and also be their latest caregiving steward. If only these pieces could talk!
Oh my gosh these are amazing. I’m going to be keeping my eyes out for some now. Love them💞
When your kitchen is finished, I expect a post on the beautiful cakes you baked and decorated with photos of them sitting on the beautiful cake stands.
I recently found a cake stand (in the wild) in the pattern of my Mom’s crystal collection which is now mine since she passed. This cake stand though has a purple hue whereas the rest of the collection is clear. The colour dates it to a much earlier time than the pieces my Dad bought for her (1 piece each paycheque before they were married, so sweet!) and I bought it mostly to be an inheritance piece for my daughter who is a professional baker. I haven’t decided how to display it since I have limited cabinet space and I want to set it out as a surprise for my daughter – she also happens to love the colour purple.
Holy Grail, indeed!! I inherited five beautiful English graduated white ironstone cake stands (similar to yours) from my dear mother, an avid ironstone collector. Every time I walk by them I’m filled with joy and memories of her lifetime of loving and collecting white ironstone along the thrill of the hunt we shared together. Thanks for reminding me of this precious memory of my mom.
Oh! They’re gorgeous! How I would love to find just one!
I have loved ironstone pottery since I bought my first antique in 1966. I ike the plain , simple utilitarian pieces.
Your find was meant to be.