I have shown these bowls before, back in 2011. However, I'm still looking for an answer, so I'm asking for your help yet again.
I would love to know what these bowls were made for. I'm sure they had a specific purpose; but what, I have no idea. Maybe you do?
They are quite small (just 17 cms in diameter), very solidly built, with a brown glaze inside, and an embossed yellow star peeping-up from the bottom. On the underneath is the number 163A, plus another small mark that could be a 'u' or an 'n'. They look to me as if they were designed to go into an oven,
I bought them many years ago at a Boot Sale in the UK, but the seller had no idea what they were.
So, if anyone out there knows what they are, or can make an educated guess, I would love to hear from you.
I'm sure they have an interesting history.
I don't know what they should be used for but I hope you're using them anyway. I'd use them for serving tzatziki or a fancy bowl for the olive oil and lemon dressing when we eat grilled fish, as we are having today.
ReplyDeleteBut today will not be a fancy day. The sauce will be served in the screw top jar I make and shake it in.
I do use them, a lot; mostly for Olives, nibbles, etc.
DeleteGood Morning, Oblique Philosipher....
ReplyDeleteor perhaps O'Bleak Philosipher.
After he retired, my Dad ran an antiques business and when he died, I snaffled all his books on marks.
If I find time today [or need a distraction] I'll avaganda!!
But these look as if they are part of a commercial run, rather than a small artisinal pottery's output.
However, the 1 and the 3 both look French to me.... no base on the 1 and sharp angle in the middle of the 3.
I'm so used to French style 1's and 7's that I didn't think about it. You might be onto something. They don't look English to me.
DeleteMany years ago when holidaying with our French friends all of the children were given hot chocolate to drink for breakfast in bowls very similar to yours .
ReplyDeleteInteresting. Maybe they have crossed the channel!
DeleteNo help here I'm afraid.
ReplyDeleteNot Lewis Lardy Cake moulds?
DeleteI have no idea but they are pretty.
ReplyDeleteThey are very nice, but they do have a slightly sinister 'workhouse' look about them.
DeleteSorry don't know.
ReplyDeleteAh well!
DeleteI am going to make a wild guess and say that they are bowls made for serving olives and nibbles.
ReplyDeleteThat's preposterous!
DeleteTime for Antiques Road Show.
ReplyDeleteI think these might even baffle them!
DeleteNo idea... but they look good.
ReplyDeleteYes, they're fun bowls. Perhaps they came from a Russian Gulag.
DeleteLovely mystery bowls! I do like the star on the inside and would have also bought them in a heartbeat.
ReplyDeleteThey certainly have an appeal.
DeleteToo rustic to be “ white star”
ReplyDeleteWas there ever a 'Yellow Star Line'?
DeleteYP and Cro........you two are a hoot today!
ReplyDeleteIt's him; not me!
Delete17cm is not small, do you perhaps mean 7cm? They could be salt and spice dishes that cooks use to measure different ingredients and have them ready to use in recipes.
ReplyDelete