Adams English Ironstone covered tureen in the classic “Empress" pattern. Produced by Wm Adams & Sons in England, this distinctive white ceramic serving piece is known for its octagonal shape, fluted ribbing along the edges, and matching underplate or catch plate.
Eight-sided geometric body, vertical ribbed texturing, double handles, and a conforming lidded top.
The "Micratex" Invention (1961–1962): Micratex was a custom-formulated, highly chip-resistant ironstone body developed by Joscelin Adams. The name was officially registered in 1961, and production on patterns like the Empress using this material started in late 1962.
The Black Stamp Format: During this initial mid-60s period before the corporate buyout, Adams stamped their newly formulated dinnerware with a clean, black printed back-stamp.
The Wedgwood Buyout (1966): On January 1, 1966, the company was bought by the Wedgwood group. Pieces manufactured after 1966 shifted to a different graphic format that specifically reads "Adams, Member of the Wedgwood Group".
