SCARCE Royal Doulton ‘Watchman – What of the Night?’ Matinee Cup & Tray c1902 Rd 383666

A scarce and highly collectable Royal Doulton ‘Watchman – What of the Night?’ matinee cup and tray set, produced during the early Edwardian period and registered under Rd No. 383666 (1902).

This unusual set comprises the distinctive square-sided matinee cup with angular handle and matching rectangular tray. The cup is decorated on all four sides with finely drawn scenes of Tudor and medieval timber-framed buildings, including the solitary night watchman carrying his lantern beneath the moon. The matching tray continues the street scene and incorporates a recessed stand decorated with the inscription:

“WATCHMAN – WHAT OF THE NIGHT?”

The design is one of Royal Doulton’s earliest series ware subjects and reflects the firm’s fascination with historic English architecture and literary themes at the beginning of the twentieth century. Pieces from this series are considerably scarcer than the later Dickens, Coaching and Shakespeare wares and are increasingly difficult to find, especially as a matching cup and tray.

Maker: Royal Doulton, England

Series: Watchman – What of the Night?

Registration Number: 383666 (Registered 1902)

Measurements

● Tray approximately 17 x 12 cm

● Cup approximately 8 cm high (please refer to photographs for proportions)

Condition

Very good antique condition. No chips, cracks or repairs noted. Very minor abrasion to rim of cup. Displays typical light crazing and minor manufacturing glaze variations expected on an early twentieth-century Royal Doulton earthenware piece. Decoration remains crisp with attractive colour throughout.

Please examine all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.

A rare opportunity to acquire an original Royal Doulton novelty matinee set from one of the firm’s earliest registered series ware patterns. An excellent addition to collections of Royal Doulton, Arts & Crafts ceramics, early English pottery or Edwardian tableware.

Please view all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.

Import duties and taxes may apply depending on destination. For buyers in the USA, Australia Post currently collects applicable import charges at lodgement, which are added to the invoice where required.

Combined postage is always welcome where practical.