Royal Doulton Clarendon (H4993) Gold-Banded Dinner Plate
Diningware (Dinner Plate) · Royal Doulton, a world-renowned English ceramics manufacturer established in 1815 in Lambeth, London, later moving to Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent. It is legendary for producing high-quality bone china and held multiple Royal Warrants.
Pattern: Clarendon (Pattern Number H4993). Introduced in 1967 and discontinued in 1994. It is one of the brand's most recognizable luxury 'classic' patterns.
Type
Diningware (Dinner Plate)
Maker
Royal Doulton, a world-renowned English ceramics manufacturer established in 1815 in Lambeth, London, later moving to Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent. It is legendary for producing high-quality bone china and held multiple Royal Warrants.
Material
English Fine Bone China with 22-karat gold gilding. Note: This item contains no silver content; the metallic elements are pure gold applied over a ceramic glaze.
Dimensions
Standard dinner plate diameter of approximately 10.5 to 10.75 inches (27 cm). Weight is approximately 600-700 grams.
Description
An elegant and prestigious dinner plate from Royal Doulton's 'Clarendon' collection. This piece represents the pinnacle of formal English dining, featuring a luminous white bone china body contrasted against a rich, deeply etched gold border. The pattern exudes a timeless, regal aesthetic suitable for state dinners and formal occasions.
Key Features
Signature 'Clarendon' etched gold band; lion and crown backstamp; high translucency of the bone china; H4993 pattern designation.
Material & Composition
English Fine Bone China with 22-karat gold gilding. Note: This item contains no silver content; the metallic elements are pure gold applied over a ceramic glaze.
Finish & Decoration
High-gloss white glaze with a wide encrusted gold band. The decoration features an intricate Greek key or 'filigree' etched pattern within the gold rim, and a thin gold pin-line on the inner verge. It is designed in the Neoclassical/Regency revival style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The underside features the Royal Doulton crest (lion atop a crown) with 'MADE IN ENGLAND', the pattern name 'CLARENDON', the pattern code 'H 4993', and the text 'COPYRIGHT DOULTON & CO LIMITED'. These are printed in overglaze gold/ochre.
Construction Details
Industrial ceramic manufacturing: jiggered or pressed fine bone china, kiln-fired at high temperatures to achieve translucency. The gold is applied through a transfer process or hand-painting and fired in a decorative kiln.
Functional Features
Flat eating surface with a raised, wide rim (marli) to facilitate handling. Non-porous and vitreous body.
Handle & Grip Details
None (standard circular plate form).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality factory production. The precision of the gold transfer and the purity of the white china body reflect Royal Doulton's rigorous quality control standards of the late 20th century.
Authentication Indicators
The crisp, centered backstamp with specific pattern numbers and the weight/translucency typical of English fine bone china are primary indicators of authenticity.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in England; specifically manufactured in the Staffordshire potteries (Stoke-on-Trent), the historical center of the British ceramics industry.
Era & Period
Mid-to-late 20th Century (Modern Luxury). Stylistically, it draws from the Georgian/Regency period of the early 19th Century.
Age Estimate
Circa 1967-1994 based on the pattern production dates. The 'Doulton & Co Limited' phrasing suggests a mid-run production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war boom in 'formal' home entertaining where British fine china was the global standard for the middle and upper-class wedding registries.
Condition Notes
Excellent. No visible chips, cracks, or crazing. The gold gilding appears intact with minimal 'stacking wear' (fine scratches from being placed on other plates) and no noticeable tarnish or oxidation of the gold trim.
Value Estimate
$30.00 – $65.00 USD per plate on the secondary market, depending on the venue (eBay vs. high-end antique replacement services).
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only. The metallic gold content makes this piece NOT microwave safe (it will spark). Avoid abrasive sponges which can strip the thin gold layer. Store with felt or paper plate dividers to prevent surface scratching.
Similar Pieces
Royal Doulton 'Carlyle' (features teal/blue background), Wedgwood 'Columbia Gold', or Minton 'St. James'.
Interesting Facts
Royal Doulton’s Clarendon pattern was a staple for luxury registries for nearly 30 years. The 'H' in the pattern number H4993 signifies the 'Hand-painted' or high-end decorative series from the Burslem factory.