Tiny Victorian Treasures. . . . . . . . . .

Sharing another small collection which always brings a smile and makes

 me happy. . . . . probably because they are smaller pieces which are

 easy to display when space is limited. These I can tuck in between my

larger stacks of antique and vintage dishes on the Welsh dresser.

Made for holding individual servings, butter pats became popular during the Victorian era.  As part of a complete set of fine china, they were crafted with great attention to detail. They were usually round, often decorated with attractive floral motifs making them miniature works of art. As Victorian formality disappeared, so did the butter pat dish, and by the 1950s it was replaced by the six-inch bread-and-butter plate. 

Butter pats continued to be made throughout the late 20th century but are not often seen in use today except in exclusive restaurants, at state dinners. . . . . . and certainly on the table at Downton Abbey. Are you ready for the two hour finale this Sunday on PBS? How sad it will be to see this amazing story end - I think perhaps we'll say "cheerio" in a style becoming to the Downton family by lighting what may be the last fire of the season, and popping the cork of a nice bottle of bubbly!

Anyway, easy to collect, the small size of butter pats makes them a joy to display and although exceptional pieces sell for big prices, many are quite affordable at $10 or even less. I plan to look for more when 'treasure hunting' in the warmer weather come Spring.

Are you familiar with butter pats? Do you collect old china but like me are often

 short on space to display or store? 

If I can ever become a minimalist I suppose I'll have to dispose of these pretties!