Hello,
I am hoping someone might be able to help me identify and date this “INDIANA” pattern.

I have a group consisting of 8 plates (22 cm / 8.7 in.) and 3 handled serving dishes (29 × 23.5 cm / 11.4 × 9.25 in.), apparently made of relatively thin refined earthenware.

The dark brown design is transfer-printed, while the blue, pink, yellow and green colours appear to be hand-applied overglaze enamels. The colouring varies between pieces: the same transfer-printed flower can be blue on one plate and yellow or pink on another.

Several pieces also have small hand-painted coloured strokes on the reverse (one green stroke or two orange strokes), possibly workmen’s/decorators’ marks.

The only printed backstamp is “INDIANA” within a distinctive leafy wreath, with no maker’s name and no “England” mark.

During my research I found an Indiana pattern attributed to J. & W. Pratt of Lane Delph, Fenton (1836–1859) with what appears to be a very similar, possibly identical, INDIANA wreath mark, but with “J & W PRATT” printed beneath it.

I realise that Indiana was used as a pattern name by several Staffordshire manufacturers, so I do not want to assume that these pieces are by J. & W. Pratt.

Does anyone recognise this specific INDIANA backstamp or pattern, or know whether it is recorded in the TCC Pattern and Source Print Database?

I would particularly appreciate any information concerning the manufacturer, approximate date and original function of the service. I wonder whether the 22 cm plates together with the elaborate handled serving dishes may have formed part of a dessert service.

Thank you very much for any help.

Marco
Italy