For many decades, between the late 1800's to the late 1920's, it was popular for holidaymakers/day trippers to purchase a piece of crested china as a memento of their trip. Scores of companies, many from Europe, produced a plethora of small ceramic items of all imaginary themes and designs adorned with a town's coat of arms. Over the years these items have become a collecting passion for many people as they strive to collect all designs from a particular location or items of a particular theme. This piece we have is in the form of a two handled, crinkled edged tray.  In the centre is a hand coloured, transfer of the coat of arms for Chester. It is in perfect condition although some of the gilding around the edge of the tray has rubbed in places, doubtless due to decades of polishing which helps authenticate the item's great age. On the base is a green stamped crown and shield maker's mark for Gemma, a Czechoslovakian company. A great item for a crested china collector, for someone with a connection to Chester or simply as a useful decorative item.

Date: c.1918 - 1938
Maker: Gemma
Made in Czechoslovakia

Dimensions: 14cm x 7cm x 0.8cm