We give a reproduction of this mug, and readers will observe the anchor marked over the name, and we would call especial attention to the nature of the decoration upon the mug. Dated chinas of old manufacture are specimens very worthy of notice, as they are much sought after, and in many cases are being reproduced with the old dates upon them. [Illustration: CAUGHLEY. OLD BLUE MUG. (Inscribed and Dated 1776.)] The excellence of Turner’s porcelain and the invention of the beautiful dark blue of the Caughley china, attributed to him, brought the factory into great prominence. But great secrecy was employed in its manufacture, and the place hidden away in the hills was an ideal spot for a manufactory wishing to be self-contained and free from prying strangers. In 1780 was produced the celebrated “Willow Pattern,” which is in demand even at the present day, and has been copied by all the other manufactories. The “Blue Dragon,” another favourite pattern, originated at Caughley, and it was here that the first blue-printed table service was made in England. It was made for Thomas Whitmore, Esq., of Apley Park, near Bridgnorth, the pattern was called the “Nankin.” It is interesting to note that Thomas Minton, of Stoke, assisted in the completion of this service, being articled as an engraver there. Until the end of 1790 Messrs. Chamberlain, of Worcester, had their porcelain in the white from Thomas Turner, of Caughley. As an instance of the great secrecy employed by Turner, we may say that he used to mix all the bodies himself, but afterwards instructed his sister how to do it. It may add an additional zest to your old white and blue Caughley ware to know that a woman who could keep a secret was intimately associated with its manufacture. In 1780 Turner, who had paid a visit to France to study the foreign methods, brought back with him a number of skilled artists and workmen. About this time, too, Mr. John Rose, who had learned the art of pottery under Turner, left him to establish a factory of his own at Jackfield. Jackfield, it may be noticed in passing, is one of the oldest potteries in the country. As early as 1560 entries occur in the parish registers of Stoke-upon-Trent of potters “from Jackfield.” In a disused coal mine here, some years ago, a brown mug was found which bore the date 1634. Jackfield was noted for some of its black decanters of superior glaze, and up to quite a modern date made a yellow glazed earthenware. Finally, the competition between Mr. Rose and the old Caughley works became so great that the old factory was swallowed up by the new one, and Coalport became the headquarters and the name of the firm became John Rose and Company, Mr. Turner withdrawing from the business.