A rare Set of 3 Vintage W.R. Midwinter "Historical Sailing Ships" Butter Pats / Pin Dishes (Fashion Shape, 1962)
Designed by the highly celebrated Midwinter house artist, Jessie Tait, these charming 8cm square pieces feature vibrant, detailed maritime transfer prints illustrating the evolution of seafaring history.
This beautifully preserved nautical trio includes: Nile Boat in Egypt (2000 B.C.) - Vibrant yellow sail illustration; William the Conqueror (1066) - Bold red and white striped sail vignette and Ganges Dinghi (1200) - Striking blue sail illustration.
Originally crafted as individual butter pats for formal dining sets, these versatile modern "Fashion Shape" square dishes are perfect today for use as a set of trinket trays, miniature wall art, placed into box frames for a striking display, on a desk or hallway as a cohesive nautical catchall set…so many uses.
1960s (Stamped May & June 1962).
Authentic W.R. Midwinter Stylecraft Staffordshire marks on reverse. Interestingly, this set features a fascinating bit of factory history: two dishes carry the sleek, modern crownless "Stylecraft Fashion Shape" text logo stamped with clear production date codes ("5-62" and "6-62"). The third dish was applied to an older factory warehouse blank, displaying the classic embossed Midwinter crown motif stamp!
Excellent vintage condition. Bright colors, crisp transfer prints, and the delicate gold gilt edging remains beautifully intact. No major chips or cracks. There is some light, age-appropriate surface crazing to the glaze and minor factory kiln stilt marks on the reverse which is entirely typical for British earthenware of this era. Please see the photos and video for more details.
