British Colonial Tableware

BRITISH COLONIAL STYLE

Typically made of mahogany, teak or bamboo and featuring a range of fabrics and prints with botanical patterns, antique British Colonial furniture and decor varies as it involved local materials and techniques and spanned centuries of design styles.

As the British Empire expanded from the 16th to the 20th century, its conquest and control of colonies around the world bolstered its wealth through the extraction of resources. Including colonies in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australasia, this spread of often violent subjugation imposed British culture, language and faith on Indigenous peoples. The design of homes was included in this expression of imperial power, with government officials, merchants and military officers creating homes mimicking the luxuries they were used to in England.

Local artisans were commissioned to replicate British designs, resulting in versions of Regency, Chippendale, Sheraton and other styles of furniture being crafted from mahogany, rosewood, ebony and teakwood as opposed to beech and oak, which were more common in Europe. Whereas the colonial furniture for the Portuguese and Dutch regularly had motifs of indigenous flora and fauna, the British tended to want more exact reproductions of their home country’s designs.

To escape the summer heat in places such as India and the Caribbean, British colonizers relocated to airy houses in the hills or plantations, leading to foldable chairs and collapsible desks in the style of military campaign furniture. Rather than upholstery as they might have in Europe, chairs and sofas in the British Colonial style had rattan and cane seating for these higher temperature climates. The contrast between the light textiles and the dark colors of the sturdy furniture became a defining aesthetic of British Colonial interiors.

Find a collection of antique British Colonial outdoor furniture, seating, bedroom furniture, decorative objects and other items on 1stDibs.

Style: British Colonial

Set of 8 Vintage Green & Orange Lacquer Napkin Rings, Gucci or Hermès Style

$250

Set of 8 Vintage Green & Orange Lacquer Napkin Rings, Gucci or Hermès Style

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

This set of 8 vintage lacquer napkin rings blends classic design with high-end sophistication, featuring a rich hunter green lacquered exterior and a contrasting burnt orange interior reminiscent of iconic Hermès and Gucci color palettes. Crafted from solid wood and finished in a glossy lacquer, each ring feels substantial in hand, simple yet striking, elegant yet bold. Though unmarked, their quality, color combination, and sleek silhouette suggest a possible connection to Italian or French luxury tabletop houses from the 1970s–1980s. The green and orange pairing is a signature motif seen in both Hermès equestrian design and Gucci's heritage collections, making these napkin rings ideal for collectors or stylists seeking refined, fashion-forward tableware. Features: Set of 8 round wooden napkin rings Deep forest green lacquered finish with warm orange interior Smooth, high-gloss surface with minor vintage wear Unmarked; possibly French or Italian origin, 1970s–1980s Hermès or Gucci-inspired design Excellent condition with some age-appropriate scratches. Styling Suggestions: Perfect for holiday tablescapes, fall entertaining, or garden luncheons, these napkin rings instantly elevate any table setting. Pair them with monogrammed linen napkins, bone china, or bamboo flatware...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian British Colonial Tableware

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Fine Double "C" Handled Quart Tulip Export Pewter Tankard Townsend & Compton

$800

Fine Double "C" Handled Quart Tulip Export Pewter Tankard Townsend & Compton

By Townsend & Compton

Located in Ottawa, Ontario

A fine double "C" handled quart tulip export Pewter mug or tankard by Townsend & Compton, circa 1779-1806. Struck with makers (upside down) pseudo hallmarks, left of the handle and l...

Category

Late 18th Century English Antique British Colonial Tableware

Materials

Pewter

American Country Pine Butter Churn

$650

American Country Pine Butter Churn

Located in Queens, NY

American Country (19th Century) pine butter churn on 4 legs with removable rounded top.

Category

19th Century American Antique British Colonial Tableware

Materials

Pine

American Country Style Brass and Iron Ladle

$1,200

American Country Style Brass and Iron Ladle

Located in Queens, NY

American Country-style (19th Century) brass ladle with wrought iron handle

Category

19th Century American Antique British Colonial Tableware

Materials

Brass

English Victorian Silver Plate Cup With Dog Head

$1,500

English Victorian Silver Plate Cup With Dog Head

Located in Queens, NY

English Victorian silver plate cup with dog head

Category

19th Century British Antique British Colonial Tableware

Rustic Carved Wooden Nutcracker Set with Wooden Mallet

$345

Rustic Carved Wooden Nutcracker Set with Wooden Mallet

Located in Queens, NY

Rustic carved wooden nut cracker bowl with a bark exterior, wooden mallet, and various metal nut picks.

Category

19th Century Unknown Antique British Colonial Tableware

Materials

Metal

American Country Style Brass Cauldron

$375

American Country Style Brass Cauldron

Located in Queens, NY

American Country-style (19th Century) brass round cauldron with handle

Category

19th Century American Antique British Colonial Tableware

Materials

Brass

American Country Style Copper Cooking Pot

$475

American Country Style Copper Cooking Pot

Located in Queens, NY

American Country-style (20th Century) copper cooking pot with wrought iron handle

Category

20th Century American British Colonial Tableware

Materials

Copper

American Country Style Brass Cauldron

$350

American Country Style Brass Cauldron

Located in Queens, NY

American Country-style (19th Century) brass round cauldron with handle

Category

19th Century American Antique British Colonial Tableware

Materials

Brass

Hammered Sterling Kiddush Cup and Plate

$1,200 / set

H 6 in Dm 5.5 in

Hammered Sterling Kiddush Cup and Plate

By Zaramella Argenti 1

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A sterling silver Kiddush cup and matching plate in a hammered design. Bold, masculine and contemporary; a much-needed change from the super ornate Judaica we’ve seen over the years.

Category

2010s Italian British Colonial Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

William Ridgway English Staffordshire Transferware Platter, Flosculous Pattern

$1,100

H 1.75 in W 15.25 in D 19 in

William Ridgway English Staffordshire Transferware Platter, Flosculous Pattern

By William Ridgway

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A black on white transfer printed floral platter in the Flosculous pattern, William Ridgway & Co., Shelton, Hanley, Staffordshire England, circa 1830-1854. A gently scalloped black-printed platter in an unusual borderless pattern. Alternating floral sprays extend outward — from a three part scroll motif in the center — up the well and onto the rim of the plate. The term ‘flosculous’ means having flowerets or composite-flowered. This stylized pattern feels very modern. 19 in. L x 15.25 in. W x 1.75 in H A printed urn...

Category

Early 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Tableware

Materials

Earthenware

Edwardian Mother-of-Pearl Handled Silver Butter Knives, Set of Six

$1,028 / set

H 0.32 in W 0.63 in D 7.29 in

Edwardian Mother-of-Pearl Handled Silver Butter Knives, Set of Six

By Alexander Clark & Co.

Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol

Set of six butter knives in original box with label Alexander Clark London. Made for Goldsmith and Silversmith. Hallmarks Alexander Clark and Co. Handles in mother-of-pearl. Blades e...

Category

Early 20th Century British British Colonial Tableware

Materials

Silver

Rectangular Tray, Mediterranean Design by Robert Kuo, Handmade Cloisonne

$2,400 / item

H 1 in W 25.25 in D 16.25 in

Rectangular Tray, Mediterranean Design by Robert Kuo, Handmade Cloisonne

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rectangular tray Mediterranean design Shades of blue Glass enamel Gold plated copper Cloisonné Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. The cloison...

Category

2010s British Colonial Tableware

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Antique Tiffany Chrysanthemum Sterling Silver Oyster Ladle

$2,350

H 10.5 in W 3.63 in D 3.13 in

Antique Tiffany Chrysanthemum Sterling Silver Oyster Ladle

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Chrysanthemum sterling silver oyster ladle. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1920. Round bowl with twisted fluting and curved and reeded stem with d...

Category

Early 20th Century American British Colonial Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique English Silver Plated Nautilus Shell Spoon Warmer

$350

H 5.5 in W 6.375 in D 3.625 in

Antique English Silver Plated Nautilus Shell Spoon Warmer

Located in Wilton, CT

Made from silver plate, this charming Victorian piece of tableware captures history of the dining experience of the era. Spoon warmers were considered to be one of the essential “fan...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

Vintage Set of 4 Post Modern Pink Lucite Scrolling Ribbon Napkin Rings

$89Sale Price / set|40% Off

H 3 in Dm 1.5 in

Vintage Set of 4 Post Modern Pink Lucite Scrolling Ribbon Napkin Rings

Located in Amityville, NY

A vintage post modern set of four napkin rings in pink lucite, with a scrolling, looping, wrapping, ribbon or bow shape. Each of the 4 in the set is identical, providing a perfect fe...

Category

1980s North American Vintage British Colonial Tableware

Materials

Lucite

Antique Dachshund Dog Salt & Pepper Shakers with .800 Silver Heads, Germany 1900

$380

H 2.25 in W 1.25 in D 2.88 in

Antique Dachshund Dog Salt & Pepper Shakers with .800 Silver Heads, Germany 1900

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Antique Dachshund Dog Salt & Pepper Shakers with .800 Silver Heads, Germany, circa 1900 Description A rare and charming pair of dachshund-form salt and pepper shakers, sourced from ...

Category

Early 1900s German Antique British Colonial Tableware

Materials

Silver

Antique Victorian Silver Plated Etched Coffee Pot Teapot

$110

H 6 in W 10 in D 4.75 in

Antique Victorian Silver Plated Etched Coffee Pot Teapot

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique Victorian Silver Plated Etched Coffee Pot Teapot. Circa early to Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 6" H x 10" W x 4.75" D.

Category

Early 20th Century British Colonial Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

Fine French 76-Piece Limoges Porcelain Dinner Set by Ahrenfeldt

$2,400 / set

H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in

Fine French 76-Piece Limoges Porcelain Dinner Set by Ahrenfeldt

By Joseph Soret, Charles Ahrenfeldt, Limoges

Located in Long Island City, NY

A fine French 76-piece Limoges porcelain dinner set by Ahrenfeldt for Joseph Soret.

Category

20th Century French British Colonial Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Swan Napkin Rings, Set of Ten, Silver Plate Nickel Germany 1960s

$180 / set

H 2.5 in W 1.63 in D 2.25 in

Vintage Swan Napkin Rings, Set of Ten, Silver Plate Nickel Germany 1960s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

A set of ten silver plated napkin rings, circa 1970s, made by unknown company. A nice set of round rings, in the style of the Art Nouveau era. All of them with a nice patina. Can be ...

Category

20th Century German British Colonial Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate, Nickel

Branching Out: Olive Twig Napkin Rings, set of 6

$800 / set

H 3 in W 3 in D 5.5 in

Branching Out: Olive Twig Napkin Rings, set of 6

Located in New York, NY

Bring a touch of timeless Provençal elegance to your table with these Olive Branch Twig Napkin Rings, handmade in Provence, France. Meticulously crafted with hand-worked metal and pa...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French British Colonial Tableware

Materials

Metal

Previously Available Items

Ceramic Brown and White Speckled Lobster Claw Maritime Napkin Rings, Set of 6

Sold

H 2 in W 2.5 in D 2 in

Ceramic Brown and White Speckled Lobster Claw Maritime Napkin Rings, Set of 6

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

A set of six ceramic speckled claw napkin rings. Each napkin ring is unique, with different almost tortoise brown and white coloring. This set is made of ceramic and is formed to loo...

Category

20th Century American British Colonial Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

1820s Antique Indian Colonial Silver Salt and Pepper

Sold

H 0.1 in W 0.1 in D 0.1 in

1820s Antique Indian Colonial Silver Salt and Pepper

By William Henry Twentyman

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine and impressive, large pair of antique Indian colonial silver salt and pepper shakers; an addition to our silver cruets/condiments collection. These exceptiona...

Category

1820s Indian Antique British Colonial Tableware

Materials

Silver

1820s Antique Indian Colonial Silver Salt and Pepper

Sold

H 4.1 in Dm 1.7 in

1820s Antique Indian Colonial Silver Salt and Pepper

By William Henry Twentyman

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

These exceptional antique Indian colonial silver salt and pepper shakers have a bell shaped form to a circular pedestal foot. The surface of each cast piece is embellished with ba...

Category

1820s Indian Antique British Colonial Tableware

Materials

Silver

Victorian Quart Taper-Sided Pewter Tankard by Morgan & Gaskell of Birmingham

Sold

H 6.25 in Dm 4.63 in

Victorian Quart Taper-Sided Pewter Tankard by Morgan & Gaskell of Birmingham

By Morgan & Gaskell

Located in Ottawa, Ontario

A Victorian quart taper-sided pewter tankard by Morgan & Gaskell of Birmingham, together with 1/2 pint pewter measure by A. Ramage of Edinburgh. Both second half of the 19th century....

Category

Late 19th Century Scottish Antique British Colonial Tableware

Materials

Pewter

British Colonial tableware for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique British Colonial tableware for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage tableware created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, pewter and other materials. If you’re shopping for used British Colonial tableware made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original tableware, popular names associated with this style include Coalport Porcelain, Royal Doulton, and Townsend & Compton. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for tableware differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $150 and tops out at $28,119 while the average work can sell for $468.