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This week we will be offering AT NO RESERVE four separate Staffordshire pieces from the circa 1841 James & Thomas Edwards "BOSTON MAILS" series. The first item offered will be a 9" plate or shallow bowl, the second a coffee or tea cup (no saucer), the third will be an excellent ceramic ladle, and the final piece will be an excellent tureen. The BOSTON MAILS series commemorates the founding of the BRITISH AND NORTH AMERICAN ROYAL MAIL STEAM PACKET COMPANY which would in 1878 become the CUNARD STEAMSHIP CO.

In 2008 we have become used to SCHEDULED departure times for ships, airliners, trains, etc. Prior to 1840, however, ships departed England for North America on an irregular basis-- when the Captain felt like sailing, when the last passage was sold or piece of freight booked, when the crew was sober , or when the weather appeared favorable. SAMUEL CUNARD felt he could build a business if he could offer REGULARLY SCHEDULED steamship sailings from England on a weekly basis. Cunard knew that regular sailings would bring him the Royal Mail Service contract as well as business from passengers and freight shippers who would appreciate regular service. Cunard would purchase four ships -- COLUMBIA, CALEDONIA, BRITANNIA, and ACADIA -- to establish his Atlantic ferry service.

James & Thomas Edwards Pottery Co. produced this BOSTON MAILS series circa 1841 to mark the beginning of Samuel Cunard's new venture. I have no idea if Cunard commissioned the Edwards to produce these pieces or if the Edwards Co. produced the series on their own as a speculative promotion of a newsworthy event. The "Boston Mails" series title came from the fact that the final destination in North America for Cunard's ferry would be "Boston" (from Liverpool, to Halifax, ending at Boston). The "Mails" referred to the Royal "Mails" Service contract.

To see all the BOSTON MAILS items we are offering this week, click on the "View Seller's Other Items" link on this auction.

Picture one shows a full view of the face of the 9" diameter transferware plate. If you think of the plate design as a clock face, Cunard's COLUMBIA is at 12:00. CALEDONIA is pictured at 3:00. BRITANNIA is shown at 6:00. At 9:00 you will find ACADIA. In the center of the plate is a likeness of the "Gentlemens Cabin" on one of the ocean-going steamships. Four gentlemen are pictured dining before a fireplace under the light cast by a hanging lamp. The condition of the design on this plate is EXCELLENT, and any white spots you may think you see are actually reflected glare from my backlights.

Picture two shows a close-up of COLUMBIA at the 12:00 position on the plate. At first I thought Edwards repeated the same design for each ship pictured on the plate, but upon close examination I found each picture is actually different.

Picture three shows a close-up of CALEDONIA at 3:00. The BOSTON MAILS series of plates are undated, but CALEDONIA was lost at sea off Cape Sable near Halifax on July 2, 1843. It would thus appear that the series would date to the 1841-43 period.

Picture four shows a close-up of BRITANNIA at 6:00 on the plate.

Picture five shows a close-up of ACADIA at 9:00.

Picture six shows a full view of the back of the plate. Under the name "BOSTON MAILS" a steamship is shown heading east under power. Impressed into the plate under the steamship is the word "IRONSTONE." Note dark spot at 9:00 on the plate back. T is a 4mm "flea bite" t which IS NOT VISIBLE FROM THE FRONT OF THE PLATE. As you run a finger around the plate rim you find NO rough spots or chips.

Picture seven shows a close-up of the 4mm flea bite which, based on the discoloration, is very, very old. Again, the flea bite is not visible to the eye from the front of the plate, nor can you feel it on the plate edge.

Picture eight is a close-up of the BOSTON MAILS trademark on the plate back.

Picture nine is another full view of the excellent condition front of the plate.

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