Antique Ashworth Bros Victoria Bee Blk Transferware Spoon Rest Relish Dish 1880 For Sale

Rare Antique Ashworth Bros. Ironstone "Victoria Bee" Spoon Tray / Relish Dish (c. 1880)
Up for sale is an exceptionally rare Victorian-era Ironstone Spoon Tray in the highly collectible "Victoria Bee" black transferware pattern by Ashworth Bros. (England).This specific piece features the coveted bumblebee design integrated into the floral aesthetic motifs—a detail highly prized by Aesthetic Movement collectors that does not appear on all variations of this pattern.Spoon trays are among the hardest-to-find accessory shapes for 19th-century transferware collectors. In the Victorian era, these small, specialized dishes pulled double duty depending on the meal. During afternoon tea, they served as elegant spoon rests to catch drips from wet teaspoons and protect fine table linens. During a formal multi-course dinner, the exact same versatile shape was brought out as a relish dish to hold pickles or olives.Because these were optional, small accessory items rather than daily essentials like dinner plates or soup bowls, they were produced in far fewer numbers. Finding one that survived the last 140+ years is incredibly rare. Featuring the highly sought-after Aesthetic Movement botanical design and signature bumblebee, this dual-purpose tray is a major find for serious ironstone collectors looking to add a rare, authentic shape to their "Victoria" sets.Design & Production Markings

• Dimensions: 7 3/4" x 4 1/2"
• Features:Elegant scalloped ends on the shorter sides with beautifully embossed detailing right on top of the scallops. Features the distinctive bumblebee and floral transfer design.
• Maker Marks: Features a hand-painted "12" in black ink (decorator/gilder mark) alongside embossed factory "//" (or 11) slash marks on the bottom, confirming its authenticity and batch production around 1880.

Condition Report (Please Read & View Photos Carefully)This piece has been loved and used, showing classic signs of age that fully authenticate its 140+ year history.

• Top Side: Excellent display quality. There are no cracks or chips on the top surface or top edges. It features beautiful, authentic all-over crazing and minor, age-appropriate brown spotting/glaze darkening.
• Underside & Edges: There are two chips located on the underside of the piece. One is on the bottom edge of a top corner, which is barely visible when the tray is sitting flat on a table. The second chip is on the base rim edge midway down. Neither chip is visible when the tray is resting flat on a table for display, and there are no other hidden cracks or structural flaws. Authentic all-over crazing and minor brown age spots are also present on the bottom, consistent with genuine antique ironstone.
This is a premier addition for any serious British transferware or Ashworth "Victoria" collector. Please review all photos carefully for exact condition details before buying.Note to Collectors:
I am currently listing multiple matching pieces from this rare Ashworth Bros. "Victoria Bee" black transferware collection. I am happy to combine shipping to save you money on postage if you purchase more than one item! Please check my other listings or send a message before paying so I can send an adjusted invoice.