I am selling a gorgeous antique set of LaBelle China. The pattern is a light green background with sprays of pink and yellow roses. Pieces have scalloped edges and handles. It is a lady's boudoir set, and it is well over 100 years old. When this set was produced, a boudoir had come to be known as a lady's private sitting room. M'Lady would retire to her boudoir when she needed what we women today refer to as "some peace and quiet" or "Me Time". She could take a much-needed nap, work on her needlework, read a book, write poetry, answer correspondence (a major task in the boudoir was answering invitations and sending thank-you letters...and her handwriting had to be perfect). I'm a little jealous, aren't you.
I'm sure the husbands didn't mind...they likely used that time to go to their smoking room for a cigar and some Whiskey, maybe talk to some of their friends about political topics or other pressing issues....and get a break from what they considered "nagging. Wow, how times have changed. Today's mom would have a difficult time telling her family she was taking a few hours off...they would panic well before dinner time.
The room was very elegant. The boudoir was filled with rich fabrics, ornate furnishings and soft lighting...maybe she might have a Persian cat sitting on a silk pillow, a maid bringing her tea...we can only imagine. M'Lady would surely have some of her fancy possessions in the room. These would include her boudoir set, her gorgeous silver mirror, comb and brush set, maybe a lovely bonnet to protect her hair while napping. The most important of all her possessions was probably the chamber pot. If she retired to the boudoir to "sulk" as the French used to say (boudoir means "sulk" in French), she would not want to leave to go down the hall to the powder room...the longer she was in the boudoir room, the more important her reason was for going in there would appear. In this era, ladies were expected to dress elegantly and fashionably in those heavy garments, yet they had no air conditioning and had to ride in a buggy behind a poor horse stirring up dust...I'd be stressed, too.
Not sure how that all got started among affluent ladies, but I suspect one lady had a room to herself to get away from the social chores of the day, AND she likely bragged about it to her ritzy friends. Eventually, all her friends had to have their own room, too. and eventually it spread until everyone had a boudoir if they had a spare room. That's my theory, anyway. Whatever the reason, the boudoir is a huge part of the culture of that era. Even though times have changed, we ladies do appreciate all the lovely things that Victorian woman have given our history.
LaBelle China began operation in 1887 and continued through 1923. Even if the set I am selling were produced on their last day of business, it would still be over 100 years old.
One chamber pot can sell for $150 or more, and my wonderful set has one. The set does have some small damage, but the value is there for sure. This set is in amazing condition considering the years it has been around. Perfect pieces this old come from museums, private collections, upscale antique shops. This set belonged to my mother and came to her with the minor damage. You can check the closeups. She loved it dearly. It was given to her by my brother, who had quite a reputation around the area for his story telling. He always had a flea market table somewhere but rarely came home with any money. He just "reinvested" it the same day. My mother put this set on top of an antique he gave her, and there it stayed for many years. Nobody was allowed to touch a piece, pick up a lid or lean anything against the cabinet. That is why this set is still in good shape. My mother didn't have many rules, but we paid attention to the few she did have.
Set consists of: Pitcher and Bowl, potpourri jar with lid with a "potpourri holder" disc inside (that's the only official name for that part that I located online), a small flower vase, and the chamber pot which may be the most valuable piece of all.
La Belle China began making boudoir sets and other elegant items in the late 19th century, specifically around 1887 when the La Belle Pottery Company was formed under the Wheeling Pottery management. This company is known for its decorative pottery and china, which included various elegant pieces during its operational years from 1887 to 1923.
As you have guessed, I found most of my info from Wikipedia and other sites. I knew this set was old, but I never realized just how old. After all my research, I am now confident that the price I am asking will be a very good deal for you and of course, as a retired senior with a stack of medical bills, I am grateful for the extra money.
WHY I AM SELLING:
I moved from an 1800 SF home to an 840 SF mobile home, so I am trying to downsize by 75% by end of January 2026. Also, my arthritis wants me to stop aggravating my elbow and shoulder by doing so much dusting.
JUST A FEW MORE THINGS:
No bills over $20. I would have to leave the house to go in a store and get change. My bank does not have a drive thru, plus no neighbors can break any bill for me that is larger than a 20. I use my cash for tips, small handyman tasks and the ice cream truck. Just 20's and under, please.
Also, no torn or damaged bills. Walmart payment terminals kick them back, vending machines sometimes won't take them, and older Coke machines hate them.
Also, no Loud Radio. Apartment rules. Plus, I have new and very quiet neighbors. Thanks for understanding.
APPOINTMENTS:
If you email me before noon, I can make an appointment the next day any time after 10 AM till dusk (or usually any other day you prefer).
Transaction must be completed by dusk so I can be safely in my home before it gets dark. Can't let anyone in because my little dog gets scared and bites. We're working on it, though. She's a good doggie.
My mobile home park is at a major Pearland intersection that usually has very little traffic, even during rush hour, so finding the park and my home inside the park will be a fairly easy drive.
***** Please click on "more ads by this seller" to see what items I have listed so for to achieve my goal of downsizing 75% by the end of January 2026 *****
***** I will try to make this transaction as convenient for you as I can *****