Spode Copeland's Tea Cup with Saucer White Bone China with Cobalt Blue and Gold In addition to the unusual backstamp color and the early 1901 use of this back-stamp, this specific antique saucer represents a very early presentation by SPODE of the Art Deco form which was just being established. Cup Pattern R4725 1912 Saucer Pattern R436 1901 These patterned pieces match perfectly, made about a decade apart though. Excellent condition with no cracks, chips, repairs, crazing or hairlines. Pattern numbers hand-painted in Red: R4725 cup c1912 R436 saucer c1901 Back-stamped in black: Spode Copeland's China England The first use of any R numbers was in 1900. "Bone china including stone china R1-R9999 c1900-1927 Up to R750- 1901 Up to R4815- 1912" Spode Copeland Marks and other relevant intelligence, Robert Copeland, 1993 p. 68-9; p. 117. ; p. 121 According to Copeland (in 1993), both back-stamps were dated "about 1904-1954"; however, by the pattern number he precisely dated the saucer between 1900 and 1901 on p.121: and therefore, if still valid since then, the saucer may demonstrate the earliest known use of this particular back-stamp by several years. Also in referring to this backstamp, "Usually printed in green, it has also been seen in gold.", p.69. Both of these backstamps are black. This may be an additional uniqueness; or, a color used for particular patterns which carried over from 1901 to 1912 that Copeland was unaware of. But in addition to what may be an unusual backstamp color and what (according to Copeland) is definitively an early 1901 use of this back-stamp , this specific antique saucer represents a very early (and could be the earliest) presentation by SPODE of the Art Deco form which was just being established. The emergence of Art Deco was closely connected with the rise in status of decorative artists. The Societe des Artistes Decorateurs (Society of Decorative Artists), or SAD, was founded in 1901, and decorative artists were given the same rights of authorship as painters and sculptors. A similar movement developed in Italy. The first international exhibition devoted entirely to the decorative arts, the Esposizione international d'Arte decorative moderna, was held in Turin in 1902. Insured free shipping applied. All items are 100% Original and Authentic as described evidenced by my reviews. I have sold porcelain and other collectibles for many years without ever needing to refund one item as otherwise.