Ironstone Serving Platter

Q: My mother gave me a white ironstone serving platter with this mark on it many years ago. I am 83 years old and it belonged to her great uncle. I would like to know how old it is. Can you tell me the approximate year the platter was made?

A: This mark was used by Jacob Furnival & Co. of Cobridge, Staffordshire, England. The company was in business from c.1845 to 1870. Ironstone china was first made in 1813. It was cheaper and more durable than porcelain and became popular during the mid-19th century. Both English and American potteries made ironstone. Much of the English ironstone was exported to the United States. Jacob Furnival was one of several potteries that used a version of the British Royal Arms in their marks.