1950s Masons Ironstone Fruit Basket Ginger Jar

This large 1950s Mason’s Ironstone Fruit Basket Ginger Jar would make a lovely display item. Comprises cream ironstone, transfer printed with seasonal fruit in a basket in autumnal colours on two sides and on the lid.

In good vintage condition with no cracks, chips or restoration. It does have a few manufacturing blemishes including bubbles and crazing.

A lovely Large Ginger Jar for storing cotton wool balls/make-up pads, for kitchen storage or just for display! It makes a nice addition to a Mason’s Ironstone collection.

Approximate Measurements

• Lid Diameter ~10.5cm
• Base diameter 10.5cm
• Height including lid:- ~23cm (9″)
• Maximum Diameter: approx. 20cm (8″)

Maker’s Mark on The Base

MASON’S Transfer Printed Crown & Banner
Patent Ironstone China
Made in England
‘Fruit Basket’
PERMANENT DETERGENT PROOF DECORATION

‘MADE IN ENGLAND’ was introduced after 1923. GUARANTEED PERMANENT & ACID RESISTING COLOURS’ was added after 1940, and the crown shape was also subtly changed. PERMANENT DETERGENT PROOF DECORATION was added in the 1950s. This suggests that the ginger jar dates to approximately the 1950s.

Please click on the following links for more Mason’s Ironstone and Ginger Jars.

Some History For You

Charles James Mason registered the patent name ‘IRONSTONE’ in 1813 for the ‘Improvement of the Manufacture of English Porcelain, IRONSTONE PATENT CHINA:’ Patent number 3724. The name was soon adopted by competitors, whom were using similar materials.

Contrary to popular belief, Ironstone does not contain iron. Its name is derived from its ‘iron-like’ strength and durability.

Ironstone is an earthenware vitreous pottery with stoneware appearance and properties and was mass produced as a cheaper alternative to porcelain.