Anyone for a cup of tea?

A few weeks ago I was swooning over pretty teacups, and a couple of days ago I found my very own set in a charity shop! I often see things I like but resist buying them, but I knew this was a treasure. I dashed back home to get a couple of strong bags, and literally ran back to the shop (and almost slipped on some snow). I don't think the two old ladies in the shop could understand why I was so pleased with a second hand tea service. But it's beautiful. I adore the bold teal/petrol blue colour against the crisp white, and the flower pattern is just perfect. It's by Johnson Bros is marked as Ironstone Snowhite and the pattern is Engadine, and it was produced in England during the mid to late '70s.

The whole set only cost £8! I bought: 6 cups, 5 saucers, 6 tea plates, 1 cake plate, tea pot, milk jug & sugar bowl! I'm might buy an extra cup and saucer on ebay to make up for the missing saucer, but I don't think I'll ever have 6 people for tea anyway. There's no sign of tea staining in any of the pieces, but the jug has some crazing on the glaze. My favourite piece is the teapot and it's now on display in my kitchen. Even my husband was impressed with my purchase, and that's saying something ;)