A particularly attractive early Mason’s blue and white transferware plate featuring the highly collectable Blue Pheasants pattern, with birds amongst peonies and foliage surrounded by an elaborate Chinoiserie floral and geometric border. The plate has an elegant scalloped / indented rim and measures approximately 9¾ inches (24.8 cm) in diameter. MARKS & DATE The reverse carries the blue printed Mason’s crown and scroll “Patent Ironstone China” mark together with the early straight-line impressed: MASON’S PATENT IRONSTONE CHINA The impressed mark is an important early Mason’s feature and supports an early 19th-century date. This is retained as part of the plate’s history; the handwritten dating and valuation are those of a previous owner/dealer. CONDITION Very good structural condition considering its age. No chips, cracks or restoration found. The plate gives a clear ring when lightly tapped. There is noticeable age and use-related wear to the glazed surface, including areas of reduced lustre, surface scratching and rubbing. There is also age-related discolouration/scuffing around the outer reverse rim and minor historic wear/marks to the foot rim. These areas have deliberately been photographed closely and should be viewed as part of the condition description. The plate has been gently cleaned and given a very light application of conservation-grade microcrystalline wax. A handsome and increasingly scarce example of early Mason’s Ironstone, now approximately 200 years old. Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.