Information about Longport (Davenports)
http://www.thepotteries.org/walks/longport/davenport.htmA piece written in 1843 about John Davenport by
'John Ward, in his History of the Borough of Stoke-upon-Trent (1843), describes how he set up on his own account in 1794:
“Mr John Davenport commenced business at Longport in 1794, and added, in 1797, to his other concerns, the chemical preparation of litharge and white lead, for the use of potters, in their glazes; but this department is now discontinued. In 1801, the making of flint-glass, or crystal, was introduced by them, and is still extensively can-led on; connecting with which is steam-machinery for cutting and ornamenting it. They produce very brilliant specimens of stained glass, and have got up some elaborate works of that kind for church and other windows, particularly one for St Mark’s, Liverpool; and have furnished splendid assortments for the Dukes of Sutherland and Devonshire, the Marquis of Anglesea and Westminster, and others of the nobility.
They have (in addition ... it further says with regard to the China production I think:
'...
Messrs Davenports’ china ware has long obtained celebrity, not only for the excellence of its material, but for exquisite design and embellishments. On his Majesty, King William, coming to the throne, he gave directions for a superb service of porcelain to be made, for the banquet to be given at the Coronation.'
Info on King William IV here (came to the throne 26 June 1830 until his death in 1837)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_IVThis was written in 1843 and goes to lengths to mention 'splendid assortments' for various Dukes and others of nobility (although not known if it was splendid assortments of glass or china) yet does not mention a set for Queen Victoria. It does however mention a china service made for his Majesty King William for the banquet to be given at the Coronation.
It could indicate that Davenports were a source of supply for all things Royal.
Or maybe there has been a mix up over the years in which bits were made for which Royal Banquet, and the service made for King William has become mixed up with the service made for Queen Vic?
Further information seems to say that John Davenport effectively retired in 1820 and then ownership seems to have been:
John Davenport’s eldest son, also John, took no part in the business and had a successful career as a lawyer.
Henry Davenport, his third son, who took an active role in running the business when his father effectively retired from the firm in the 1820's, was killed in a riding accident when he was out hunting at Baddeley Edge In 1835.
Control of the firm then passed to the second son, William Davenport, who became sole owner in 1848So in 1837, 17 years after John Davenport retired (it says he served as an MP though until 1841), John Davenport may have been in joint ownership with William his son.