Melba Bone China Tea Set Value Guide

Produced by Mayer & Sherratt in Longton, Staffordshire, this Melba Bone China tea set is a quintessential example of early 20th-century British elegance. Its collectible appeal lies in the intricate Imari-style patterns that blended Japanese-inspired aesthetics with high-quality English bone china craftsmanship.

What Is Melba Bone China Tea Set Worth?

The typical price range for Melba Bone China Tea Set is $150 - $250 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The completeness of the set, as missing saucers or creamers significantly reduce the $150-$250 market value.
• The condition of the gold gilt, which is prone to wear from handling and cleaning over the decades.
• The vibrancy and preservation of the Imari-style transferware and hand-painted details.
• Structural integrity, specifically the absence of hairline fractures or 'flea bite' chips on the delicate rims.

How to Identify Melba Bone China Tea Set?

• Check the underside for the 'Melba Bone China' backstamp used by Mayer & Sherratt between 1906 and 1941.
• Look for the characteristic Imari color palette consisting of deep cobalt blue, iron red, and heavy gold gilt accents.
• Verify the translucency of the material by holding a piece to the light, a hallmark of genuine Staffordshire bone china.
• Examine the specific handle shapes and scalloped edges typical of the 1910-1930 production era.

History of Melba Bone China Tea Set

Melba Bone China was produced by Mayer & Sherratt in Longton, Staffordshire, England, from 1906 to 1941. Their wares were known for their quality and often featured elaborate patterns, with Imari-style designs being particularly popular, drawing inspiration from Japanese porcelain. These sets were a staple in many British households, embodying the elegance of early 20th-century tea culture.