Magnificant and gloriously patinated antique ironstone tureen by Sarreguemines dating back to the last quarter of the 19th century.
 
It is of higher quality than the 20th century tureens, being made of thicker ironstone to keep the soup warmer more effectively. The soupière does of course have wonderful ornate handles, one of my main criteria for choosing a tureen!
 
The bowl is charmingly heavily patinated with a speckled inside, the hot soup warming the bowl has caused the discolouration, so sought after by collectors. There is one mature chip and small crack on one side, pictured, which has aged gracefully 
 
The lid is, as is generally the case, a lighter shade as it has not been regularly heated.
 
It has the classic artichoke styled handle and light patination.
 
The tureen measures just over 11" tall and across the handles.