A PAIR OF AMERICAN MARKET STAFFORDSHIRE BLUE AND WHITE TRANSFER PRINT POTTERY TEA BOWLS AND SAUCERS, ENGLAND, CIRCA 1820-1823, the pair of tea bowls and saucers with dark blue transfer print decoration of a basket of flowers on a ledge, the saucer and interior of bowl with flower and scroll border, the saucers with underglaze blue importer's mark "S TAMS & CO, WARRANTED STAFFORDSHIRE, SEMI CHINA." Height: 2 7/8" Width: Diameter: 5 3/4" Note: Originally from Staffordshire, England, Sampson Tams emigrated to New York in late 1816. By the end of that year he advertised the opening of his first store, located at 94 William Street, offering a "choice collection of Table, Tea and Desert [sic] Ware." After three years, Tams dissolved the business, relocating to Philadelphia to join his brother William who in 1818 had established himself as a China Merchant. Together, as S. Tams & Co. they served as "Importers and Wholesale Dealers in China, Glass and Queensware" (1823 Philadelphia City Directory). In 1824 the firm name was changed again to Tams, Anderson & Tams reflecting the addition of Sampson's brother James and local commission merchant Frederick Anderson as junior partners and William's retirement from the firm.

Minor rim nick to one tea bowl, minor firing inclusions hairline crack and glaze loss to rim of one saucer, minor crazing to the glaze, minor surface scratching commensurate with age and use. Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS." NO REFUNDS will be issued based on condition.