Gravy boat and underplate, brown transfer. Printed maker's mark for Alfred Fenton & Sons. This pattern features a stylized flower and geometric band around the rim, interrupted by a motif on each side consisting of a floral sunburst motif. The gravy boat sports an additional floral spray on the outer spout and the inside rim features a simple Greek key border.

The partners were Alfred Fenton and his three sons: James Tunstall Fenton, Arthur Fenton, and John Fenton. They had interests in Australia and New Zealand as china, earthenware and glass merchants. Alfred and his sons Arthur and John apparently lived in Australia and looked after the business there and James ran the Hanley, England manufacturing company. John Fenton left the business in 1893 and the other members took steps to remove him from the partnership. It may have been in 1893 that the title changed to '& Co' instead of '& Sons.' It appeared that James did not run the English company well and concealed losses from his family in Australia. The business ran into financial difficulties and in January 1899 an official receiver was appointed by the court. The business continued until 1901. A dividend was paid by the trustees in March 1901 and it is likely that this is when the business closed.