England. Next sets are all "Barleycorn" sets. Strictly spoken, the Jaques "Nr.24" set isn't a "Barleycorn", because there is no real barleycorn grain motive except for some leaves. There is also a kind of ropetwist pattern on the barrel. But it is commonly accepted to call it a "Barleycorn" set. The other 2 sets do have a clear barleycorn grain motive on their barrel.
The essence for the name is in fact decoration with the grain. But often you see leaves as well. Occasionally you see sets with an acanthus motive, which mistakenly are called "Barleycorn". Another mistake, in my opinion, is that these sets (especially when they have no decoration) are called "Ropetwist" by many. But the latter I like to be reserved for the scarce set as you see on the "Ropetwist" page, where the central drum has a decoration simulating a twisted rope and not only have the sight of a coiled rope as in the plain Barleycorns.
- England, by Jaques, "Nr. 24", "Barleycorn"
- Early to mid 19th century
- Bone K 13.6; p 4.9
- England, "Barleycorn"
- Early to mid 19th century
- Bone K 10.0; p 4.1
- England, by F.H.Ayres, "Barleycorn"
- 2nd half 19th century
- Bone K 13.3; p 4.7
England. Next sets are all "plain Barleycorn" sets. They are still called "Barleycorn" by most people, although there is no barleycorn motive. But the shape is alike the decorated "Barleycorn" sets. These sets are very common, except that the last set of the four has a less common pattern. Maybe it is not a "barleycorn"? In black they are not common, but the black set here has been painted later on and was originally red.
- England, by Jaques? "plain Barleycorn"
- Mid 19th century
- Bone K 9.0; p 3.4
- England, by F.H.Ayres, "plain Barleycorn"
- 2nd half 19th century
- Bone K 12.1; p 4.5
- England, by F.H.Ayres, "plain Barleycorn"
- 2nd half 19th century
- Bone (repainted black) K 11.1; p 4.1
- England, "plain Barleycorn"?
- ca. 1860
- Bone K 9.3; p 3.8
- Box 17.7×11.4×9.5