I Found a Transfer Printed Cheese Shop Stand!

I have long wanted one of these old ironstone shop display stands.  Originally these English ironstone stands were used in markets and grocery stores as counter top displays for margarine, butter, lard and cheese.  Most were in use between the late 1800's and early 1900's.  

I love the look...oh, and did I mention that these are transfer printed wares?   Yes, they are transferware, so you know I like that about them too! ;-)  

My Cheese slab is about 14" x 14" x 2" and holds three transfer ware pitchers which contain my everyday cooking utensils.  

All of these I have seen have cutouts at the side for easier handling...at least that's what I've assumed they're for.

I about jumped out of my skin when I found mine on Etsy for a mere $38!  What's even better than paying $38 is that I traded something I already had for it so it didn't really cost me a thing! Yeehaw!  That's my kind of deal!

Mi display has this mark on the back which reads:  G Rushbrooke Ltd. (Smithfield).  I don't know enough about these to know if this is a true antique or a reproduction.  Do any of you know?  I'm guessing it's a repro.

I do know that Joanne Hudson makes some reproductions made from original molds, like these:

This 9" round is currently on sale for $103.99 + shipping at Joanne Hudson.  

Joanne Hudson pieces have the makers mark on the top of the slab.

   Parnall & Sons was a shop fitting manufacturer in Bristol, England who had slabs made for them by Wedgwood.  Here are photos of an original, rectangular shaped dairy slab with the Parnall & Sons 'Justice' stamp on top.   This one has no wording on its sides.

This original Pure Butter slab by Parnell & Sons is currently listed at an online antiques store for $1599, with damage noted.  And, that is $1599.00 not $15.99.  Holy cow!

If you see one like this on Ebay, be wary as there is a seller who lists these as 'original' when they are not.  The price is much less of course, but be careful about buying one and what you pay for it if you want only an original.  The reproduction looks identical to this (less the chip) because it is made from the original mold.

Here is an old round Margarine slab (online for about $1600.00),

and a rectangular, Pure Lard, slab.  This one, if at my house, would be a constant reminder that I need to shed some poundage.

My utensils were previously held in this wicker tray and now are on the cheese slab. 

These old, or new, dairy slabs are great for display or serving.  They add so much character and have tons of vintage appeal and charm.

Tomorrow I'll announce another CSN giveaway, so come back and enter then!

Joining:

Chic on a Shoestring 
Savvy Southern Style 
White Wednesday 
Somewhat Simple
The Shabby Chic Cottage
Beyond The Picket Fence
Between Naps on the Porch 
House in the Roses

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