Two Early 20th Century Ironstone Ceramic Grocer’s Slabs

A fabulous pair of rare English turn of the 20th century ironstone grocery or butcher slabs, one of these is labelled for butter. – Ironstone ceramic, with attractive crackled glaze from long use. – Both marked below for “Parnell & Sons Ltd, Avery House, Clerkenwell Green, Ec1, Works, Fishponds, Bristol”. – One piece is marked for “Pure Butter” along the front with an underglaze black transfer, the other is unlabelled. – Both have recessed sides, to easily pick them up. – The butter slab is square in shape, the other is slightly smaller and rectangular. Originally used by grocers and butchers before widespread refrigeration was available, slabs like these were often placed outside overnight to chill before being laid out with produce to be kept cool throughout the day. They make beautiful display pieces for the kitchen and are fabulous quality items. Date: Circa 1900 Material: Ironstone Ceramic Origin: England