Astbury is a special place where Josiah Wedgwood, the founder of Wedgwood, married Sarah in 1764. "Astbury Black," named after this place, is Wedgwood's finest pattern, lavishly using gold (22K) and completed through eight firings. The three-dimensional pattern, meticulously applied by craftsmen, the brilliance of raised gold, and the durability of fine bone china make this a treasure to be cherished and passed down to children and grandchildren, truly worthy of being called a family heirloom. *From the Wedgwood page* As you can see in the photos, I believe it is in beautiful condition. However, I have included as many photos as possible, so please use them to make your judgment. Please refrain from purchasing if you are looking for perfection or are overly sensitive, as this item has been stored at home. If you would like to see additional photos due to unclear images, I will be happy to provide them, so please contact me. Returns are not accepted. This is a very expensive item, so please understand the above before purchasing.1