Were these dishes meant for food?

Many larger platters and tureens served meat and vegetables at grand dining tables during the Georgian and Victorian periods. Chargers and smaller plates were frequently hung on walls or displayed on dressers purely for decorative effect. Examining the glaze wear and foot rim can often indicate whether a piece saw active service or spent its life on display.

How do I date a delftware charger?

Early pieces from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries typically feature heavy earthenware bodies with tin glazes that show minor fritting at the edges. The style of the brushwork, the palette of colours used and the thickness of the pottery rim provide key clues to the decade of manufacture. Comparative study of recorded factory patterns helps narrow down the production period.

What is the difference between porcelain and ironstone?

Porcelain is a vitrified ceramic material that is hard, fine-grained and often translucent when held to the light. Ironstone is a dense, heavy earthenware developed to withstand heavier daily use without chipping. While both materials carry chinoiserie patterns, ironstone possesses a thicker body and an opaque white finish.