Antique “Victory” Johnson Bros. Bone China Bouillon Cups

Overview Offered is an exceptional antique English handled bouillon / cream soup cup and saucer group by Johnson Bros., bearing the desirable “Victory” backstamp. This is a richly decorated, collector-grade set in warm ivory bone china with elaborate gilt work—including a broad gilt band, scrolling ornamental panels, and a central rosette medallion—presenting with the luminous, high-fired look and refined “ring” associated with quality English ware. Maker / Pattern • Maker: Johnson Bros., England • Backstamp: “Victory” (arched), crown device, “Johnson Bros. England” • Pattern/Line: Victory (often sought by collectors for its ornate gilt treatment and classical paneling) Material / Ceramic type This is English bone china (fine vitrified porcelain with bone ash), characterized by its smooth, creamy body and crisp gilding typical of quality Staffordshire-area production. Form / Use These are handled bouillon / cream soup cups (also called “two-handled cups” or “bouillon bowls”) with matching saucers—an elegant service form used for formal dining courses (broths, consommé, cream soups) and also displayed as cabinet pieces due to their decorative impact. Maker / Mark • Maker: Johnson Bros. (England) • Mark: “Victory” (arched) with crown device, “Johnson Bros. England” Material / Ceramic type English bone china (fine vitrified porcelain body), with heavy gilt decoration. Period / Date (best-supported range) Based on the Johnson Bros. “England” marking combined with the crown + “Victory” line mark and the overall decorative style, a late Victorian to early Edwardian date is the most defensible positioning—circa 1890s–1910s. (Exact year-dating on Johnson Bros. marks can vary by reference source; this is the safest collector-facing range without overstating certainty.) Dimensions (as provided) • Saucer: 6 1/4 in diameter • Cup: 4 1/2 in diameter • Cup base: 3 1/2 in diameter Decoration details (what collectors look for) • Heavy, bright gilded rim and banding with strong presence • Ornamental panel reserves with scrolling motifs and classical flourishes • Central rosette/medallion inside the saucer well (high visual payoff when displayed) • Elegant double handles in gilt Condition Overall presents very well for antique giltware. Visible age-appropriate wear consistent with display/handling: minor surface marks and small scattered spots on the underside/foot visible in close-ups; no obvious major cracks are visible in the photos provided. See photograph for further close-ups showing no chips or hairlines, no repairs, but light rim gilt loss What’s included • Three (3) handled bouillon cups • One (1) matching saucer Why this set is desirable Handled bouillon forms are widely collected because they are less common than standard teacups, visually dramatic, and strongly associated with formal table settings. The “Victory” marked Johnson Bros. pieces with ornate gilding appeal to collectors of Victorian/Edwardian dining, English bone china, and gold-encrusted cabinet display wares.