This pair of antique English butter pats are created by the well-known maker Alfred Meakin. The pattern is called 'Dresden Hopfen', Hopfen being the German word for 'hops' - the flowering vine used for brewing beer, and also the leafy vine in this pattern. Dresden is a German city where the Hopfen plant flourished  as well as being known for the home of fine china and pottery. The transfer pattern is a light green colour with accents of mustard-brown accents. The pattern is very similar to the Alfred Meakin 'Oban' and a few of the other patterns around that time period. The Meakin mark is a version of the globe backstamp used from 1875-1891. 

Both of these butter pats are in great condition, with the usual age spots but no nicks or cracks -- and that is amazing considering they are about 136 years old!

You can use these for a dish to hold little pats of butter, as they were intended in the Victorian era, but we think it makes the perfect little plate to use to place your jewelry in at night -- or paper clips, or even coins-- use your imagination! It's fun to have such an old object around!