Hi Virginia,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Royal Doulton began in 1815 by John Doulton in Lambeth, London, originally producing stoneware and utilitarian pottery. It became Royal Doulton in 1901, when King Edward VII granted the company a Royal Warrant, recognizing its quality and prestige. While early Doulton work focused on earthenware and stoneware, bone china became central to the brand’s identity in the 20th century, particularly after merging with Minton and Royal Albert under the Royal Doulton Group.

“Demitasse” is a French word meaning “half cup.” These small cups were developed in France in the early to mid-19th century (around the 1830s–1850s), at a time when after-dinner coffee became fashionable in European high society They were designed to serve strong, concentrated coffee — the forerunner to modern espresso — in smaller portions than regular teacups. Early demitasse cups were typically made of fine porcelain or bone china, matching the larger tea and coffee services of the period. By the late 19th century, luxury makers like Sèvres, Meissen, Royal Worcester, and Royal Doulton were including demitasse sets in their dinnerware lines. These sets often came with matching saucers, sometimes demitasse spoons, and occasionally lidded sugar bowls and creamers scaled to size.

Most demitasse sets were issued in sets of 12, so you have a complete set, which is great and particularly desirable to collectors. Recently, other Royal Doulton demitasse sets that have come to auction have sold for prices ranging from $200-500 (with the higher price realized by those that have the pot).

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

A vintage Royal Doulton parcel gilt bone china demitasse service for 12
unattributed pattern, numbered BB3579, circa 1958
With pink band and gilt edge, rose-painted interior, marked below.
Cups: 2-1/4 inches tall; 2-3/8 inches diameter
Saucers: 4-1/8 inches diameter
CONDITION: This service appears to be in very good condition.
PROVENANCE: Acquired at a garage or yard sale
$ 200-400 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