Titanic China: 1st Class

There were multiple patterns used on board the Titanic.  While 2nd and 3rd class just had one pattern each, 1st class had several.  Below are some examples of patterns used on board which I have collected.

Wisteria

This pattern, commonly called "Wisteria" or "Brownfield Wisteria," was supplied to the White Star Line by Stonier & Co. in Liverpool.  It was used in primarily 1st class on multiple White Star Line ships of the time.  This china was used in the 1st class Dining Saloon and Reception Room, basically the standard 1st class areas which were included in the price of the 1st class ticket.  This cup and saucer pictured above has the dates 2/1912 and 3/1912, the same batches some of Titanic's china came from.  

Greek Key

This pattern, known as "Greek Key," was supplied by Copeland and Spode.  It was used on board the Olympic and Titanic in the Cafe Perisian and A La Carte Restaurant.  Rather than use the famous White Star Line burgee you see on so many other White Star Line china pieces, they opted to use the OSNC logo with stands for "Oceanic Steamship Navigation Company," the parent company of the White Star Line.  The simple beauty of the pattern makes it simply gorgeous.  The bowl plate is an original from the Olympic.  The demitasse cup and saucer and the side plate in the top photo on the other hand are the same pattern made by the same company, though they were not used on a White Star Line steamer.  They do serve to compliment the bowl plate, allowing you to imagine using these pieces during dinner on an Olympic Class liner.

Royal Crown Derby

This pattern, known as "Royal Crown Derby," (the makers) was inspired by the Louis XVI style and was used in the A La Carte Restaurant.  The restaurant itself was not included in the 1st class ticket.  It was owned and operated by Luigi Gatti and his Italian staff.  For those who chose to, they could dine in the gorgeous restaurant surrounded by French walnut paneling.  On the last night of the Titanic's voyage before her sinking, the Wideners hosted a dinner party with Captain Smith as a guest of honor.  The creme of the crop of society on board dined together and for some, it would be their last meals.  The plate is a replica made by Royal Crown Derby which is still in existence for the 100th anniversary of the disaster.

Deck Service 

This saucer, sometimes mistaken for 3rd class, was used for deck service in 1st and likely 2nd class.  The thing that differentiates this from 3rd class china is the gold rim around it.  The saucer is rather large, probably because there was a greater risk of spilling a drink on deck.  A passenger could rent a deck chair and steamer blanket, sit down, and read a book while sipping tea supported by this saucer and watch the sea pass by beyond the deck.