Manufacturer: Knowles, Taylor & Knowles Co. – K T & K China – East Liverpool, Ohio
Pattern name: Pittsburgh
User: Pennsylvania Railroad
Date of oval bowl: Circa 1899
Notes: This seldom-seen pattern was documented by Douglas McIntyre in his "Official Guide to Railroad Dining Car China," and is based on a June 23, 1899, railroad timetable from the collection of Richard Luckin that includes an ad for Knowles, Taylor & Knowles' "Vitreous Hotel China" with photo of this pattern in a place setting.
The bowl is decorated in deep blue with a somewhat crude, poorly placed outer border of what is best described as connected ampersands. Inside the verge is a swirling second border of leaves and vines. In the well is a keystone outlined with heavy line and a background of leaves and flowers. Inside the keystone is an intertwined monogram of P Co.
Sources:
The Official Guide to Railroad Dining Car China
Richard Luckin
Contributor:
ID and photos: Edward Babcock