Linderhof


Gardening, Cooking and Decorating on the Prairie of Kansas


Welcome to Linderhof, our 1920's home on the prairie, where there's usually something in the oven, flowers in the garden for tabletops and herbs in the garden for cooking. Where, when company comes, the teapot is always on and there are cookies and cakes to share in the larder.

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

We Find An Old Friend


Twenty five years ago, I acquired a cute little tea set at an auction.
I'd never seen one like it.
It was English.
It was sweet.
And I didn't know what it was!



But I got tired of dusting it, and into a cabinet it went.      It really didn't serve a "purpose" -- it was just a cute tea set -- to set around!

Thirteen years ago, we auctioned things from our retail store.     I went through closets, cabinets and drawers and put things in the sale as well.     The items in "that" cabinet went into the sale.


Years later, I found out it was a Royal Winton

breakfast set

And it was quite valuable -- $200 up for that little tray with a cup, a wee pot, a miniature sugar, a miniature cream and a toast rack.

Boy, did I ever mess up.

I rued the fact that I sold it.

WHAT was I thinking?

Cleaning in the attic last week and going through bins up there

What did I find?

My Royal Winton Breakfast Set

It was like reuniting with an old friend!



A toast rack for two half slices of toast
A teapot that only holds one cup
Two sugar cubes in the sugar bowl
And just enough milk in the pitcher for that cup of tea

My old friend.   The friend that I thought was gone forever, got a new spot --


On the table in the front bedroom by a comfy chair



A perfect spot for a morning cup of tea and toast.
Pre-breakfast
brought up by the maid (giggle)
To give you strength to dress for the day and go down for 
"real breakfast"


 

Royal Winton is an English potter

Started in the late 1800s

Probably their most famous product

are their Chintzware

and these little breakfast sets.

No other potter made a similar breakfast set

So they are unique to Royal Winton

Best I can tell they are 40s (late) or 50s

They are rare but there are still quite a few available, especially here in America.

I think they were one of those "adorable" things that 

travelers to England bought in the 50s to bring home to America.

And like me, got tired of dusting it and so they were put away.

This little set won't be put away again any time soon.

While my "maid" won't be bringing me tea and toast in the morning, it will be

fun to have tea and cinnamon toast in my cozy spot in the bedroom

in the afternoon.

10 comments:

Dawn P. said...

OH MY GOSH - I knew as soon as I started reading and saw the picture it was a breakfast set - I would swoon... I have only seen these in books / magazines, lol. Lucky you!

Beth said...

I love it, Martha! I always look forward to your posts. Have a Merry Christmas!

50 and counting said...

I've heard them called Batchelor's Breakfast sets. I guess single men in their clubs had them

clarmst said...

I love how that happened...like an early Christmas present!

Sandra said...

So happy that what you thought was gone...was found. It is a wonderful Tea/Breakfast set and I love to hear about how it was used back in the day too. I know you will enjoy having this in your home where you can use it and enjoy it too. Does look a little like something I saw on Downton Abbey when breakfast was served in bed.

Denise said...

I've never seen an English tea set. It's beautiful! What a great story!!

Joy B said...

That set is indeed adorable, and I'm so glad you found it!

Southerncook said...

What a charming little tea set. I am so glad it was found.

Carolyn

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