Thursday, April 11, 2013

RMS Titanic Teacups

Of the 308 posts that I've written since I began blogging, the one that has been read the most is The Last Dinner on the Titanic with 1,485 page views, and the count keeps increasing.    

The RMS Titanic set sail on her maiden voyage 101 years ago yesterday, April 10, 1912.

I subscribe to the Titanic newsletter, and webmaster, A. Clarkston, of the U.K., stated that 800 lbs. of tea were carried on board the Titanic, as well as 3,000 teacups and saucers [twice the amount of coffee cups that were ordered], 1,200 teapots, and 6,000 teaspoons.

When I visited the Titanic Exhibit this past August, I purchased replicas of the 1st and 2nd class teacups.
  
1st Class - Often referred to as the Wisteria Pattern


2nd Class Holland Blue Delft Pattern



Backstamp


There are two other 1st Class teacups that I'd like to acquire someday. The cobalt blue teacup designed by Spode in the Woodmere pattern [pictured below], was said to have been used exclusively at Captain Smith's table.


The teacup made by Royal Crown Derby, was said to have been used in the 1st class A' la Carte Restaurant.  Commemorative pieces were reissued last year in honor of Titanic's 100th Anniversary.  A teacup is on E-bay right now for the pricey sum of $155.  [Which explains why I don't have one in my collection! ;-)]  Isn't it elegant and beautiful?


The steerage dishware [pictured below] was simply open stock white-ware with the White Star logo applied.  It is also available for collectors.


The giant luxury ship struck the iceberg at about 11:04 p.m. on April 14th and sank at about 2:20 a.m. on April 15th.  It was a horrible tragedy that the world has never forgotten - even 101 years later!



6 comments:

  1. I like the two teacups you have, especially the 2nd class one, but the two you have yet to acquire are beautiful, too.

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  2. I hope you are able to collect all of them for your Titanic set. They are lovely --- especially the captain's Spode.

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  3. all very fascinating....great cups and saucers!!

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  4. Loved seeing the rest of the collection. I have the blue spode set from the Titanic museum in Pigeon Forge. Their gift shop was not well stocked. Thank you for the reminder to watch the movie this weekend.
    Sips and Smiles,
    Teresa

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  5. It's fascinating to glean all the history one can about the Titanic. Such a tragic story! Your teacups are wonderful and I really like the Delft Blue. I hope you can acquire the others as well. I especially like the Woodmere pattern. It is a stunning set. Thank you for sharing your treasures and enjoy your weekend.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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