Royal Jackson China

Q: I picked up a set of Royal Jackson dishes at a house sale and would like to know what the pattern is and how old the dishes are.

A: Jackson China made fine dinnerware and hotel ware. The company was founded as Jackson Vitrified China Co. in Falls Creek, Pennsylvania, in 1917. The name “Royal Jackson” was used beginning c.1940. The trademark with a lion and unicorn was used on china made in the 1950s. Vogue Ceramic Industries began as Vogue Mercantile Co. in New York City c.1945. The name was changed in 1949 when it became a subsidiary of Jackson China Co. Jackson China went out of business c.1985. The pattern of your dishes is Countess Margaret Rose, made from 1950 to 1957. It is named for Queen Elizabeth II’s sister, Margaret Rose, Countess of Snowdon. A single plate in your pattern with a pink border is worth about $15.