Taylor & Kent tea cup with saucer

Item Overview:

• Item: Bone China Tea Cup with Matching Saucer
• Manufacturer: Taylor & Kent
• Origin: England
• Material: Fine Bone China
• Markings:
  • Kent Bone China backstamp featuring the rearing horse, with "Taylor & Kent England" below.
  • Handwritten number "120," likely a pattern or design identifier.
• Condition: Excellent

History and Context:

Taylor & Kent was a prominent English bone china manufacturer, operating from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. The backstamp featuring the horse and “Taylor & Kent England” was commonly used from 1910 to 1930s, helping date this tea cup and saucer to that era. The number 120 is likely part of the hand-painted pattern catalog for this specific floral design.

Bone china, a fine and delicate material known for its translucency and strength, was highly popular during this period for tea sets and decorative tableware, especially in England. Floral designs, such as the one on this set, were often hand-applied or transferred and reflect the era’s elegance and craftsmanship.

Current Market Value:

Given its excellent condition, appealing floral design with gold trim, and historical significance, this set would be of interest to collectors of vintage bone china, particularly those specializing in English tea wares from the early 20th century. Comparable Taylor & Kent tea cups and saucers typically sell for:

• Retail/Antique Shop Value: $40 to $60 USD
• Auction/Online Resale Value: $25 to $45 USD

Notes for Collectors:

• Retaining the set in excellent condition with no chips or cracks ensures its value.
• The presence of the original pattern number adds provenance, enhancing collectibility.
• The Taylor & Kent brand is respected but less well-known compared to other bone china makers like Royal Albert or Shelley, which can affect value slightly.

If the item were to be sold, I recommend documenting its condition thoroughly and marketing it to niche bone china collectors or vintage tea ware enthusiasts.