Here’s a piece that proves Victorian dinnerware didn’t shy away from being blunt. This 19th-century English transfer-ware platter, boldly labeled “TONGUE,” is as practical as it is charming. Made of sturdy white ironstone with a scalloped edge and decorated in an ornate black scroll border, it was designed to sit proudly on a sideboard or table, announcing its culinary contents without a hint of mystery. Measuring a classic serving size, it’s stamped on the reverse with an impressed “7-18,” further marking its 19th-century roots. Once part of a full service where each dish had its role—beef, mutton, ham, and in this case, tongue—it’s a glimpse into a time when formality met function in the dining room.
Here’s a piece that proves Victorian dinnerware didn’t shy away from being blunt. This 19th-century English transfer-ware platter, boldly labeled “TONGUE,” is as practical as it is charming. Made of sturdy white ironstone with a scalloped edge and decorated in an ornate black scroll border, it was designed to sit proudly on a sideboard or table, announcing its culinary contents without a hint of mystery. Measuring a classic serving size, it’s stamped on the reverse with an impressed “7-18,” further marking its 19th-century roots. Once part of a full service where each dish had its role—beef, mutton, ham, and in this case, tongue—it’s a glimpse into a time when formality met function in the dining room.