I have just obtained this very Royal Doulton Coaching days plate done on the blue sky ground - it is date coded for April 1907. Follow the read more tab for the full story...

This plate is on an earthen ware base with the pattern number D2682 clearly printed on the reverse. Depicted is scene 4, Innkeeper talking to drivers, attendants boarding, but what is unusual is the gent standing off to the right choofing on his pipe.

This codger with his balding head obviously has the look of an Inn Keeper. This is the only time I have ever come across this character. I have been dealing Royal Doulton Series Ware for 10 years and I have only ever seen this plate once before and it was quite badly scratched where this one is great condition. For the full story with all 24 known scenes in this series be sure to see the Coaching Days Fact File.