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Pottery Marks/Hallmarks...Identifying Them Just Got Easier!

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Need Help With An Old Pottery Mark/Hallmark?

Collectors today are interested in many types of pottery and porcelain. Pieces from literally all over the world. &nbsp It's often very hard to identify old pottery. Most pottery companies marked their wares with a mark/hallmark, some did not. Companies also changed hallmarks from time to time, this also leads to problems when one is attempting to identify a piece.

The process of identifying a piece of pottery can lead one to great frustration. As a rule pottery pieces were marked, to show the company of origin. Some hallmarks or mark, were actually incised into the clay, some stamped into the piece, while some marks were painted onto the piece, or a company transfer was used to leave that all important hallmark...

 

Some marks contain extra letters, and numbers, and strange symbols, along with the name of the country. All of these added marks can add up to confusion for the person trying to identify a given piece.

I collect antique pottery, so I have felt the pangs of frustration first hand... I have put this lens together to help my readers, perhaps understand hallmarks a bit better, and be better able to  identify pottery, with  a lot less frustration?

 Have a hallmark you are having a hard time identifying? Stop in at Old And Solds "Guide To Pottery And Porcelain Marks"  Old And Sold has added an  entire book on very old hard to find hallmarks and marks to the site. You will find hallmarks from all over the world. Its a great place to add to your favorite list. Old And Sold is Fee free - so don't fret about fees... http://www.oldandsold.com/pottery/greatbritain1.shtml

 

This lens will be a work in progress. Due to the fact that the subject of Identifying pottery is vast, and can be very confusing— plus I seem to learn more on the subject daily. I intend to add  updates to this lens frequently. So please make it a Favorite....

 

       

Do you love to research antiques? Visit The Online Encyclopedia Of Antiques at Old And Sold. You will be pleasantly surprised at the A - Z information listed on Antique's.  Make The Encyclopedia Of Antiques
Your definitive resource for antiques! Have a question? Find an answer!         Browse our six volume encyclopedia for great information.
- Encyclopedia Of Furniture
- Encyclopedia Of Glass
- Encyclopedia Of Pottery And Porcelain
- Encyclopedia Of Metals
- Encyclopedia Of Textiles
- Encyclopedia Of Biographies
- Encyclopedia Of Clocks And Watches
- Encyclopedia Of Painting And Arts

Stop In And Check Out Old And Solds Feature Pottery Marks/Hallmarks

Old And Sold have a wonderful selection of photos showing very old pottery marks. You may just find the mark you are searching for....

Old And Sold Guide To Pottery And Porcelain Marks

Please check out Old And Solds Guide To Pottery And Porcelain Marks. You will find the oldest marks, from literally all over the world... There is no other Hallmark reference site on the Internet, that can began to compete with Old And Solds massive hallmark directory... This list of literally thousands of lost old hallmarks was taken from an antique book, and is now a feature at Old And Sold, for all to utilize and enjoy.
Guide To Pottery And Porcelain Marks ...
Guide To Pottery And Porcelain Marks
This extensive compilation of pottery and porcelain marks will appeal to the ceramic collector and novice alike. Marks, initials, and signatures representing manufacturers from over 20 countries will aid anyone interested in tracing the history and origin of ceramics. Click below to visit the Old And Sold guide to Pottery And Porcelain Marks.

FAKE, FAUX, OR REPRODUCTION - CAN YOU TELL THE DIFFERENCE?

As long as there have been antiques, there have been fakes and reproductions. But telling the two apart can often be difficult even to the trained eye of an expert. But antiques, however, have become fashionable and as a result many of them are being copied or reproduced as fast as can be. Like copies of clothing and jewelry, many pseudo-antiques are so cheap-looking as to be obviously shams. But there are clever copies, too, on which time and effort have been spent to make them look authentically aged. Because fakes and reproductions look so much like antiques themselves, particularly to those who know little about the real ones, people who want to buy or sell old things, should do all they can to learn how to tell a fake from the real thing.

FAKE, FAUX, OR REPRODUCTION - CAN YOU TELL THE DIFFERENCE?

FAKE, FAUX, OR REPRODUCTION - CAN YOU TELL THE DIFFERENCE?
As long as there have been antiques, there have been fakes and reproductions. But telling the two apart can often be difficult even to the trained eye of an expert. But antiques, however, have become fashionable and as a result many of them are being copied or reproduced as fast as can be.

Please Read On...

How To Decipher British Registration Marks.... Its Easy

Dating English Registry Marks: Mark I: Used from 1842-1867

In 1842 England started to offer registration of it's decorative designs for pottery, china, wood, paper, porcelain, and glass. I have added charts below help you along with leaning the method of how the British marked their wares. These charts can be useful in identifying your wonderful British antiques.

Information such as when given a design was registered. Keep in mind -- not every piece made in England held this mark, and remember the date is just when the design was registered. For example a given piece of pottery may have been long in production before it was registered, so may not hold the mark. An item with a registry mark or number would be protected from other companies duplicating the design.

English Registry Marks:

The following two diamond shaped marks were used from 1842-1883:

Mark I: Used from 1842-1867

Each letter on the diagram represents one of the tables below:

A. - Materials
B. - Year
C. Month
D.-Day of the Month
E.-Bundle Number

A. - Materials
I Metal
II Wood
III Glass
IV Ceramics
V Paper Hangings
VI Carpets
VII Printed Shawls
VIII Other Shawls
IX Yarn
X Printed Fabrics
XI Furniture
XII i Other Fabrics
XII ii Damasks
XIII Lace

B. - Year

A 1845 O 1862
B 1858 P 1851
C 1844 Q 1866
D 1852 R 1861
E 1855 S 1849
F 1847 T 1867
G 1853 U 1848
H 1843 V 1850
I 1846 W 1865
W 1865 X 1842
J 1854 Y 1853
K 1857 Z 1860
L 1856
M 1859
N 1864

C. Month

A December
B October
C January
D September
E May
G February
H April
I July
K November
M June
R August
W March

British Registration Mark Used from Years 1868-1883

Each letter on the diagram represents one of the tables below: Mark II: Used from 1868-1883

A. - Materials
B. - Year
C. Month
D.-Day of the Month
E.-Bundle Number
A. - Materials

A. - Materials
I Metal
II Wood
III Glass
IV Ceramics
V Paper Hangings
VI Carpets
VII Printed Shawls
VIII Other Shawls
IX Yarn
X Printed Fabrics
XI Furniture
XII i Other Fabrics
XII ii Damasks
XIII Lace

B. - Year
A 1871 X 1868
C 1870 Y 1879
D 1878
E 1881
F 1873
H 1869
I 1872
J 1880
K 1883
L 1882
P 1877
S 1875
U 1874
V 1876

C. -Month
A December
B October
C January
D September
E May
G February
H April
I July
K November
M June
R August
W March

Can you Decipher this British Registry Mark?

Want To Play A Game? Try To Decipher The British Registry Mark I Used In Photo Above...

Don't feel up to deciphering at this time? Check out answer at very bottom of this page ....

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Dating A Piece Of English Pottery - Via Coat Of Arms

The Royal Coat Of Arms was only used by businesses which had the priviledge of being a holders of a Royal Warrant. Today, Royal Warrants are granted to people or companies who have regularly supplied goods or services for a minimum of five consecutive years to members of the Royal Family.

In the late 19th and early 20th century many potters who did not have a Warrant, both in England and also foreign firms also included the Coat Of Arms as part of their mark. It is speculated by a business owner that by including the Royal Coat Of Arms in thier hallmark, it would add some sense of importance and value to their wares. The same way many potters use the name "Royal" as part of their name or trade mark.

It was Queen Victoria who ensured Royal Warrants gained the prestige they now do today. During her 64 year reign Queen Victoria, and her family were responsible for granting more Royal Warrants than ever before - more than 2000.

The Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom have evolved since the 1100's, and reflect the history of the Monarchy, and of England.The Coat Of Arms has remained unchanged since Queen Victoria.

The shield shows the various royal emblems of different parts of the United Kingdom: the three lions of England in the first and fourth quarters, the lion of Scotland in the second and the harp of Ireland in the third.

The photo is that of the Coat Of Arms Under Queen Victoria.

The shield is supported by the English lion, and Scottish unicorn.

The plant badges of the United Kingdom - rose, thistle and shamrock - are sometimes displayed beneath the shield.

Pre-1837 The Coat Of Royal Arms Sported An Additional Centre Shield

George III - From 1801 the Coat Of Arms of England occupied the first and fourth quarters, the arms of Scotland the second, and the arms of Ireland the third.
For the house of Hanover, there was an escutcheon overall,(a center shield over a large shield).

When identifying a piece of pottery that's hallmark clearly uses England's Coat Of Arms. Look for the escutcheon (Shield over shield). This will help you date the piece, as to was it produced before 1837? Before Queen Victoria changed the Coat Of Arms or after the Arms was changed by Victoria.

New The Link List

Porcelain And Pottery - Europe, China And Japan
Porcelain is perhaps the most entrancing of all the branches of the Antique Tree. It appeals alike to the collector with a limited pocket and limited space in his home and to the millionaire who can spread his collection lavishly over a score of rooms.
Please Read On...
Delft - The Old Signs Of The Potters
To two Frenchmen, MM. Jacquemart and Havard, we owe most of the knowledge we have with regard to the artists of Delft who made the reputation of its faience, and with regard to the marks of the owners of the factories which are often found upon it, as well as the signs of those factories whose initials, in Dutch, are also found as marks: thus MP, joined in a monogram, is the sign of the " Metal Pot," founded in 1631 by P. J. Van Kessel, who was succeeded in 1655 by J. P. Van Kessel. In 1678 Lambertus Clefiius found the secret of imitating the Indian porcelain.
Please read On...
German Pottery
Profuse as is the literature of Germany, we must yet turn to French authors to find a more concise record of her ceramic arts than her own language can present. Germany, which has so recently swept into a mammoth existence, has found her way to this triumph, not through a fine sense of the poetical and spiritual predominating in her people, but by the gradual and unerring growth of utilitarian principles taught per force throughout her borders.
Please Read On...
Pottery Of The Chou, Han And Other Pre-T'ang Dynasties
FROM study of the early history of China in Chapter II it will have been gathered that rude pottery shapes were made in the earliest times, but we cannot point to examples made of the " scarlet clay which greatly pleased the people" about the year 2360 B.C. : nor are specimens known of the vessels made of different coloured clays in the days of Emperor Yao (2357 B.C.).
Please Read On...
Pottery & Porcelain - Encyclopedia Of Antiques
Pottery & Porcelain (P) - Encyclopedia Of Aporcelainntiques A-Z Great encyclopedia on pottery and porcelain....
Old American Pottery
"A fireplace occupied half of the south wall, and heavy brands flamed between its great andirons. Above them on a crane among hooks and links, an iron teakettle lazily .gurgled; and over the fireplace earthen pans, candlesticks, and snuffers sat on a high Mantletree." Please read on...
Pottery And Porcelain Defined
In the catalogue of fictile wares there are two distinct provinces which are easily confounded by the casual observer. Of similar exterior appearance, attainable through the same general processes, and utilized in forms common to each, it is not strange that they should pass undistinguished. The difference between the two is so marked as to command for each a separate and distinct consideration. Each has its individual character, Please read on...

Antique Digest....

Antique Lovers - Add This One To Your Favorites....

Please take time to visit this wonderful link... Old And Solds Antique Digest literally has 30,000, and then some articles on not only pottery, and identifying pottery marks, but they have reference articles on just about any and every kind of antique you can think of... For all you antique lovers, make this one a Favorite... Link right below

Old And Solds Antique Digest...

If you love antiques - Add Old And Solds Antique Digest Reference Area to your list of Favorites.
Antique Digest
If you love antiques - Make Old And Solds Antique Digest A Favorite Reference Area. Need information on antiques? Old And Solds Antique Digest puts a multitude of information right at your finger tips...

Check Out Used Pottery Mark Books on eBay... Why buy new?

I have a great reference library of books pertaining to all kinds of Pottery. I buy used, I figure the older the better in regard to books on pottery marks... I have found many great pottery mark books on ebay. Many that were published in late 1800's early 1900's.
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Reader Feedback

  • Lee May 19, 2012 @ 2:37 pm | delete
    Still cant find what i need but thanks anyway :-(
  • faber80 May 9, 2012 @ 12:35 pm | delete
    very, very useful lens.
  • Dave May 3, 2012 @ 12:11 pm | delete
    Very Nice site I found My Mark in The U.S. section & very happy that it is a vintage Rookwood
  • Mike Joss Apr 6, 2012 @ 3:49 pm | delete
    Hi - very interesting site. I would like to know the manufacturing companies in "bundle #5" of the British Registration Marks 1842-1867, since I have a couple of earthenware pots of that period, with the relevant mark.
    FYI, the correct heraldic term for the three lions on the royal coat of arms is "Three Lions, Or, Passent, Guardant" (it means that they are gold, walking, and looking at you!)

    cheers!
    Mike Joss
  • sherrimo3 Mar 27, 2012 @ 1:59 am | delete
    I have a charming moccasin. (Native American) in china/porcelain. On the underside is the word "creek". Any ideas? I do know it's at least 50-60 yrs. Old.
  • isabella potae Mar 24, 2012 @ 10:36 pm | delete
    hi, i have a deep royal blue vase with pink flowers and green leaves. It has a blue (same colour as the vase) letter "b" underneath. It has unusual patterns at the top and base. It's a little hard to describe but they look like up-side-down "spades" (as in a deck of cards) and pointy marks inside of the clubs....confused? They are a little hard to describe.
  • tylerabernethy21 Mar 12, 2012 @ 11:55 pm | delete
    Wow you really know your stuff about antiques. I like a lot of the old furniture, when it comes to antiques. I am also really big on collecting guns!

    Cheers,
    Tyler Abernethy
  • rayray131 Feb 20, 2012 @ 10:25 pm | delete
    This is a very useful lens.
  • d-artist Feb 2, 2012 @ 5:47 pm | delete
    I love this lens!!!! I have old books on Antiques and usually the prices are just as old...but here I have found information to help me...I'm getting ready to price my things that I'm selling, my collections have to go!...ha ha...I should open an Antique store.
    ~d-artist Squid Angel Blessing~
  • Ladymermaid Jan 30, 2012 @ 9:46 pm | delete
    I love looking up special thrift / garage sale purchases to see if I have discovered something unique. Great article on the topic of marks on collectibles.
  • jimmyworldstar Dec 12, 2011 @ 11:22 pm | delete
    Cool lens, I wasn't even aware that pottery had identifying marks. Were the British the only ones who came up with a registration marker in that time period?
  • Godsgraciousgift Dec 3, 2011 @ 12:49 pm | delete
    It is interesting to read about pottery marks here on your lens.
  • Mark Swanson Nov 11, 2011 @ 12:32 pm | delete
    I have a porcelain cat. Jar (body) and lid (top). The only markings on it are the letter "L" (Written like Lavern does, in Lavern and Shirley) - cursive. The TOP has a number of 3 or 5 above the L, and the Jar part has a marking of 20 above the L. Its about 20 inches tall, and is white, with the cat being a light Brown/Goldish color.
  • madinvestment Nov 10, 2011 @ 2:53 pm | delete
    Great lens! Thanks for sharing it with all us fellow Squids! One big thumbs up vote left!
  • Oct 7, 2011 @ 4:24 am | delete
    Informative lens, great information and interesting topic. Thanks!
  • WorldVisionary Oct 5, 2011 @ 8:22 am | delete
    Very informative lens! Thumbs up and an Angel blessing for you!
  • DianeStafford Aug 12, 2011 @ 6:39 am | delete
    Great lens with lots of helpful tips.
  • BevsPaper Aug 11, 2011 @ 6:42 am | delete
    Working in the antiques industry I know how important these pottery marks are. Great resource for people trying to ID a mark! Blessed.
  • AlleyCatLane Aug 10, 2011 @ 10:08 am | delete
    Love the links list. Very helpful for sellers and buyers of pottery, etc.
  • sushilkin Jun 22, 2011 @ 4:12 am | delete
    Thanks for sharing. Nice Lens
  • grannyann Jun 21, 2011 @ 9:21 pm | delete
    I think your lens is fantastic. I think it goes well with my lens and I have added you to Featured Lenses: http://www.squidoo.com/Cheap_Christmas
  • PlayOutside Apr 28, 2011 @ 5:09 pm | delete
    nice lens....I will come back after garage sale hunting this summer
  • spertz Apr 19, 2011 @ 2:43 pm | delete
    great lens
  • reasonablerobinson Apr 18, 2011 @ 5:11 am | delete
    Most helpful. I just sold a wedgwood vase to Australia via ebay after clearing my Dad's home.
  • Gloriousconfusion Mar 30, 2011 @ 12:51 pm | delete
    This is a very wide-ranging and useful resource. I've lensrolled it to 3 of my lenses about pottery: Beswick Figurines - Alice Series
    Beswick figurines - Rupert and his Friends - Collectibles
    Beswick/Royal Albert Figurines - Beatrix Potter
    And here are some Angel Blessings from me
  • Serenia Feb 23, 2011 @ 5:50 pm | delete
    I love antiques. Blessed by an angel.
  • 2Eklectik Jul 31, 2009 @ 3:47 pm | delete
    I have always been interested in how to identify marking. great lens!
  • WorldTravelers916 Sep 15, 2008 @ 3:16 pm | delete
    i can stay in a hallmark store for hours looking at all the great stuff!

    miami hurricane hat
  • Jasonb702 Sep 15, 2008 @ 1:21 pm | delete
    Great lens Shar.. We all love your work...

    real estate italy
  • BRUNO Oct 3, 2007 @ 1:16 pm | delete
  • tplus Sep 10, 2007 @ 9:45 am | delete
    Congratulations! You are #6 at Who Has the Most Lenses?! I've picked this lens to be featured alongside your name. Come check out your competition!
  • by_the_sea Jul 9, 2007 @ 4:03 pm | delete
    Fantastic lens full of really useful information. You should check out my lense on
  • Nicegoogoo Jun 26, 2007 @ 1:21 am | delete
    Pottery is an age old trend.This lens serves as an introduction to Pottery Making Illustrated magazine, with featured drawings.You can see my breakups lens too.
  • kenny Jun 14, 2007 @ 10:44 am | delete
    remember not all pottery is marked well. alot of people need to remember potters are artists they stepped out of what was normal.just remember step out of your ego when your not sure. do your homework. this is the best site ive found yet!
  • richardmackenzie May 9, 2007 @ 1:22 pm | delete
    What a fantastic lens! I have a lens with free self help stuff. Take a look and rate it for me. Thanks, Richard...
  • Classic May 7, 2007 @ 8:54 pm | delete
    Hi Shar Excellent lens, I rated it 5*s! If you got a second, would you be so kind to go and rate my clooney lens. Thanks a bunches! NTW: You can submit this lens to Antique Art if you like. It qualifies.
  • cageybee Apr 27, 2007 @ 1:44 am | delete
    Good lens. Keep up the good work!
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Answer # 4
Metal, 1875, Octiber, 28th, bundle # 1

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Shar

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