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 an anvil with a hand coloured transfer of the coat of arms for the Gretna Green. On the reverse are the words "Model of Anvil in Blacksmiths Shop Gretna Green Over Which Marriages Have Been Performed". It is in perfect condition although some of the gilding around the edge has rubbed in places, doubtless due to decades of polishing which helps authenticate the item's great age. On the base is a black stamped maker's or retailer's mark for H. Mackie. A great item for a crested china collector, for someone with a connection to Gretna Green or blacksmithing.

Date: c.1910 - 1930
Maker: H. Mackie
Made in England

Dimensions: 8cm x 4cm x 6cm