Bone China Tea Cup and Saucer Value Guide

This mid-20th-century bone china set is a quintessential Canadian souvenir, commemorating the historic military and aviation hub of Goose Bay, Labrador. It stands out for its detailed Arctic illustrations, including hunters, seals, and igloos, paired with a cartographic saucer depicting the Labrador coast.

What affects the value of Bone China Tea Cup and Saucer?

• Condition of the gold gilding, as rubbing or wear from cleaning significantly reduces collector interest.
• Clarity of the transfer print, specifically the legibility of the Labrador coastline map on the saucer.
• Historical provenance related to the Goose Bay military air base era (1950-1970).
• Absence of hairline fractures or chips, which are common in delicate vintage souvenir sets.

How to Identify Bone China Tea Cup and Saucer?

• Look for the specific 'GOOSE BAY, LABRADOR' inscription on the interior or exterior of the cup.
• Verify the saucer features a detailed map titled 'COAST OF LABRADOR' rather than a generic floral pattern.
• Check for gold gilding on the rim and handle, which is characteristic of 1950s-1970s souvenir bone china.
• Confirm the translucent quality of the material by holding it to light to ensure it is genuine bone china.

History of Bone China Tea Cup and Saucer

Souvenir tea sets like this one were popular travel mementos, particularly in the mid-20th century. This particular set commemorates Goose Bay, Labrador, a significant location in Canadian history, especially for its role as a military air base during and after World War II.