Royal Doulton ‘Forest Flower’ Design Large Oval Casserole (3 ¼ Pint) with Lid T.C. 1086

This is a stylish retro casserole dish from the ‘Forest Flower’ range by Royal Doulton.

The casserole is approximately oval in cross-section, tapering in slightly towards the stepped base. On either end of the oval, there is a small tapering handle. The interior and exterior are white and are decorated on either side of the handles with a transfer printed motif of stylised flowers in shades of yellow, green, orange, cream, brown and mauve. The rim is galleried to allow for close seating of the lid.

The lid is oval with a galleried edge. It is slightly domed with a central discoid portion which is surmounted by the flattened discoid knop. The latter is white, while the remainder of the exterior of the lid is glazed in orange. Although completely smooth, this orange glaze has a crackled effect on one side; this occurred during the manufacturing process when the colour was applied to the lid and fired.

The underside of the base is marked in the centre with the words ‘FINE OVEN CHINA’ above the Royal Doulton lion and crown logo. This contains the words ‘MADE IN ENGLAND ROYAL DOULTON ENGLAND’. Below this, it reads ‘FOREST FLOWER T.C. 1086 COPYRIGHT DOULTON & CO LTD’. There is a very small gouge out of the centre of the Doulton logo; I believe this is to indicate that the piece is of ‘seconds’ quality.

It has a maximum height (including the lid) of approximately 15.0cm, with a maximum length across the rim (excluding handles) of about 22.2cm and a maximum width across the rim of about 16.9cm.

It has an unwrapped weight of 1450g.

It is in excellent condition, with no chips or cracks, but as previously mentioned there is a glazing flaw to the lid which renders this piece of ‘seconds’ quality. There are also some wear and tear scratches to the body commensurate with use.