Featured Ridgways Early 19th Century Blue & White

I bought this super blue and white piece today. The pattern is part of Ridgways'Oxford & Cambridge series of patterns and depicts the Oxford Observatory. But what is it?

It is like a cake stand but has a stem with a small dish on the top (for sauces perhaps). I don't know the exact size as I haven't got it yet.

Does anybody know what it was intended for?

 

makes me think some kind of water fountain ?

 

I think your guess about sauce is as good as any although I would suggest maybe steak and kidney pie and HP would maybe served in something else ...so something sweeter, like jam or marmalade perhaps?

 

Check this out: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/336995984590976711/

 

That’s it. Thanks. Pity it doesn’t say what it is.

 

The ebay ie link suggests

19 th Century Ridgway Blue White Transfer Print Pickle Dish

 

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/573646071263575765/

 

Thanks. Didn't show up on my phone properly but pickle dish makes sense and explains it perfectly.

 

So what would the little center bowl be used for?

 

Not absolutely sure but a sauce perhaps or maybe pickle forks

 

Not that I would personally use such a beautiful piece & risk chipping it but filled with peeled shrimp & sauce would sure be yummy!

 

Depending on the size, couldn't it just be a handle made to mimic the base shape?

 

Could be. I will let you know when it arrives.