A Paragon cup and saucer duo designed by Chloe Preston from her Peek-a-Boo Series in 1918 and produced in 1919, the cup illustrated with little boys (in imitation of their fathers) signing up for military service in an army recruiting office which has a sign below the counter reading " MEN WANTED " The illustration also bears the printed signature of " CHLOE PRESTON ". The saucer is illustrated with a little girl dressed as a Red Cross nurse with three little boys dressed as soldiers in a hot air balloon. Entitled " MAKING OBSERVATIONS " and also marked with the printed signature " CHLOE PRESTON " This series was designed towards the end of the first World War, when young boys would typically play at being soldiers and little girls as nurses - emulating the majority of their elders who had largely been involved in the First World War for the preceding four years. Marked to the base with the Star mark and PARAGON CHINA ENGLAND Peek-a-Boo Series . The design's outline was transfer printed and then hand painted in enamels as are all the other Paragon children's china pieces from this period -(using the technique known as "print and tint"). Condition is very good with only slight wear. Pieces from this particular Chloe Preston series are now extremely scarce, and difficult to find now over 100 years since their original production. Dimensions : Cup height : 2.75 inches Saucer diameter : 5.25 inches
