Hi Sarah,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Booths Ltd. was founded in 1891 in Tunstall, Staffordshire, England, by Thomas Booth (earlier family pottery concerns date to 1868). The company is best known for blue-and-white earthenware transferware, especially Willow designs, that were produced early on; later, "silicon china" (a durable semi-porcelain body) was marketed as both elegant and practical. The company saw its peak production in the late 19th to mid-20th century. Booths became part of the Pearson & Co. / Allied English Potteries group in 1950, and the name was eventually discontinued.

The Willow pattern (with its famous lovers-and-bridge story) was created around 1780 by Thomas Minton and spread across many English factories. Booths entered this tradition but worked to create a version that could stand above other 19th–20th century Willow copies. Booths trademarked "Real Old Willow" to distinguish their product as the authentic evolution of the original Minton concept — though of course, “Real” was more of a marketing strategy than a historic provenance claim.

The Booths mark added a printed crown over Booths name between 1912–1930s and from the 1920s onward, was noted to have been "Made in England."

Regrettably, even large services such as this rarely bring very much - often as little as a few dollars per piece. Looking at recent auction sales - which Mearto bases our values on - a realistic expectation of this 40-piece set would be between $150 and $250 for the set.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A vintage Booths blue and white and parcel gilt transferware earthenware part dinner service for 8
in the "Real Old Willow" pattern (#A8025), made in England, mid 20th Century, comprising:
8 dinner plates (10-5/8 inches)
8 salad plates (8-1/2 inches)
8 bread plates
8 cups with 8 saucers
CONDITION: These appear to be in good condition
PROVENANCE: Acquried at a flea market
$ 150-250 for the service*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia