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Myrtle Child's Tea set Posted by Dee White on January 20, 2024, 12:16 pm Hi! I have child's tea set that has been handed down thru at least 5 generations and has a handwritten label on a standard cardboard box "Scotch Child's Toy - over 300 years old" written in 1950's. It is NOT in good condition, but we're trying to find out if it is truly that old (to amaze our grandchildren ). I tried to Google the Myrtle Mark, but could nothing. Thanks for any help you can give in dating this item

Re: Myrtle Child's Tea set Posted by David / Web Admin on January 20, 2024, 12:49 pm, in reply to "Myrtle Child's Tea set" Hi Dee: a lovely pattern, we have this one recorded in our Database of Patterns and Sources (available to all TCC members), also a tea service. It is definitely transferware but certainly not 300 years old. Although a specific age/date would require more research, it would be highly unlikely to be older than the 1840s. Following is what we include in the Database: Teapot, 3.75 inches high. This pattern is illustrated in Lechler1989, p. 33 (Figure #85). The shape of the teapot in Lechler is a bit different than the one above. The pattern is an all-over or sheet pattern. The myrtle has shiny leaves and fragrant mainly white flowers with five petals and sepals. Ancient Greeks thought myrtle was sacred to the goddess of love, Aphrodite (Venus). Thus, It is not uncommon to see the myrtle flower given as a gift during weddings - this is due to the fact that the myrtle's main symbol is marital fidelity, as well as simple, uncomplicated love. Other people believe that these blossoms symbolize good luck in relationships, prosperity, and a long, happy life. To see other patterns made for children and to learn more about them, see Children's Subjects/Toy China Patterns in the database. The maker is unknown, so hard to say whether it is Scotch or English in origin.

Re: Myrtle Child's Tea set Posted by Dee White on January 20, 2024, 6:09 pm, in reply to "Re: Myrtle Child's Tea set" Thank you SO MUCH for such a quick response!!! Wow - very helpful. We'll go with the 1840 as earliest date and amaze the grandchildren at how old it is

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