Oval Coasters Stamped: CLAY PATENT (c. 1785 England)

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6.25inch wide    0.75inch high    4.25inch deep (15.87 cm wide  1.90 cm high  10.79 cm deep)

Henry Clay, Birmingham and London, Japanner and Papier Mache Manufacturer 1772-1812. He gained wealth and fame because of a patent taken out on 20 November 1772 for a “New Improved Paper-ware” which involved pasting sheets of paper together then oiling, varnishing and stove-hardening them; the panels were then suitable for coaches, furniture, etc. Papier Mache was also very fashionable for smaller items such as teatrays, waiters, caddies, coasters, etc.

His early ware bears the impressed mark: “CLAY PATENT” sometimes with a crown over the name and in 1781 was recorded as producing “several pieces of superb furniture which now adorn the Royal Residences”.

Clay’s commissions for the Royal Family, the Nobility and Gentry are well documented.
Ref.: Dictionary of English Furniture Makers 1660-1840
Tomlin – Catalogue of Adam Furniture

A superb quality and extremely rare set of 4 Papier Mache black and gold decorated Oval Coasters stamped: CLAY PATENT (with a crown over) underneath decorated around the rims with trailing vines and supported by patrae, the base is with a border of leaves and berries.