Tureen, 12.5 x 7.75 x 5 inches. Brown transfer. The printed mark is that of Bates, Walker Co., c. 1875-78. The two diamond registry marks indicate two different dates: 24 March 1876, the date Bates, Walker & Co. registered a tureen form, and 2 October 1877, the date Bates, Walker & Co. registered a printed design. The impressed mark belongs to Gildea & Walker (1881-85). It includes the impressed date 8/82, the date in which the bisque ware was impressed. This is an example of a pattern being registered by an earlier company and carried on by its successors.
The "Bean and Bird" pattern features a string bean vine, flowers and pod with a bird in flight chasing a small winged insect with a large bee in between. The blooming bean vine runs around the outside of the tureen and a large bee is placed at either end. A simple geometric border of crossed boxes runs around the lid and a similar geometric border with concentric squares runs around the rim of the tureen. The molded handles feature simple lines and stylized tulip-shaped flowers.
The Dale Hall Works was originally founded in 1790. One of the more successful occupiers was Mayer Bros. (c. 1843-1855) and subsequent owners used “Late Mayers” in their marks. The previous company, Bates, Elliot & Co. (1870-1875), introduced a kneeling, nude potter with the date 1790 as a mark. Subsequent owners used the same mark. The partners in Bates, Walker & Co. were William Bates and John Walker. The partnership was dissolved on 12 August 1878.
