Valuable Pottery Marks 101 (2024)

This post is all about valuable pottery marks. Here I will be discussing various premium marks that can be found on pottery and the identification of valuable pottery marks. I hope you find this information useful and interesting!

There are many different types of pottery marks, and not all of them are valuable. However, there are some that are more valuable than others, and these are the ones that you should be on the lookout for.

The most valuable marks are those that were made by famous potters or companies. These include Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Royal Worcester, and Meissen. Other valuable ones include those that were used by important factories or workshops, such as the Minton company.

Pottery marks can also be valuable if they date back to a specific period in history. For example, pottery marks from the Art Deco period are often quite valuable. And finally, pottery marks that are rare or unusual can also be quite valuable.

Identification Of Valuable Pottery Marks

There are many ways to identify valuable pottery, but some marks are more valuable than others. The marks worth the most are those that have been around for centuries and have been used by many different potters. These marks are usually very simple, such as a single dot or line, and they are often found on the bottom of the piece.

Another way to identify them is to look for those that are rare or unique. Marks that were used by only a few potters or that were used for a short period of time can be quite valuable. Sometimes, these marks can be found on the back of the piece or on the bottom.

Finally, pottery marks that are associated with famous potters or with certain periods in history can be quite valuable. For example, a mark that was used by a famous Chinese porcelain artist from the Ming Dynasty would be much more valuable than a mark used by a contemporary potter.

What Are The Potteries With The Most Valuable Marks?

There are a vast number of different pottery marks to be found on antiques and collectibles. These can range from simple trademarks to complex coats of arms, each with its own story to tell about the piece on which they are found.

Pottery marks are usually located on the bottom of a piece and can provide helpful information about its origins and provenance. However, not all pottery marks are created equal, and some are much more valuable than others.

Here are four of the most costly pottery marks that you may come across:

1. Royal Crown Derby “Prince of Wales’ Feathers” Mark

This mark was used by the Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Company from 1890 to 1916 and was inspired by the feathers of the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII). Pieces bearing this mark are highly sought-after by collectors and can command high prices at auction.

2. Meissen Crossed Swords Mark

The Crossed Swords mark is perhaps the most famous and recognizable mark used by German porcelain manufacturer Meissen. It was first used in 1722 and has been in use ever since. Pieces bearing this mark are highly collectible and sought-after by investors and enthusiasts alike.

3. Wedgwood “W” Mark

The Wedgwood “W” Mark is one of the oldest and most iconic pottery marks in existence. It was first used by Josiah Wedgwood in 1759 and has been used on Wedgwood pieces ever since. The mark is instantly recognizable and has become synonymous with high-quality Wedgwood porcelain.

4. Coalport Cannon Mark

The Coalport porcelain company was founded in 1795, making it one of the later additions to English porcelain manufacturers. The company used a number of different marks over its lifespan, but the most valuable is undoubtedly the “Cannon” mark which was used between 1814 and 1834.

How To Research Valuable Pottery Marks

There are many ways to research the value of pottery marks. The most common way is to reference a pottery marks guide. Pottery Barn Marks and Prices is a comprehensive guide that covers over 12,800 pieces of pottery. This guide includes photographs and information on the back stamps used by Pottery Barn from 1949 to the present day. If you are looking for a more general guide, Tryonyx’sPottery Marks Identification Guide covers over 3,800 marks used by 675 different pottery companies from 1860 to the present day.

Another way to research pottery marks of value is through online resources such as auction sites and forums. eBay is an excellent resource for finding out the value of pottery marks. You can do a search for “pottery marks” and narrow your results by condition, era, and company. There are also many forums dedicated to discussing collectible pottery where you can ask questions and get advice from other collectors.

Where To Find Marks Of Any Worth

There are several ways to find these makers’ marks. One way is to look for marks on the bottom of the piece that indicate who the manufacturer is. Another way is to look for a company’s name or logo on the piece. Finally, you can consult a reference book that lists manufacturers and their associated marks.

Tips For Collectors

Pottery marks are the fingerprints of the antique pottery world, and just like fingerprints, no two are exactly alike. Collectors who focus on 19th and 20th-century European and American pottery use these marks to help identify the maker of a piece, determine the approximate date it was made, and sometimes learn where the piece was manufactured. Expensive makers’ trademarks can be found on the bottom of almost every piece of antique pottery.

There are many different types of pottery marks, and each can provide valuable information about a piece. The most common types of marks are factory marks, artist signatures, and impressed logos. Factory marks are usually simple stamps that include the name of the company, the date the piece was made, and sometimes a symbol that represents a particular line or pattern. Artist signatures are just what they sound like—the signature of the person who made the piece. These signatures can sometimes be accompanied by important information like an address or representation of a specific studio. Impressed logos are often more detailed than factory stamps and can provide a wealth of information about a piece.

Collecting pieces with valuable pottery will take time and patience, but it can be a very rewarding endeavor. The best way to start is by familiarizing yourself with as many different types of marks as possible. Once you have a good understanding of what to look for, you can start building your collection one mark at a time!

How To Take Care Of Valuable Pottery

Valuable pottery marks can be found on both contemporary and antique pieces. While most marks simply identify the maker of the piece, some marks may also indicate that the piece is particularly valuable.

Whether you’re a collector or simply enjoy owning beautiful pottery, it’s important to know how to care for your pottery.

There are a few basic things you can do to keep your pottery in good condition and prevent damage to the valuable marks:

– Avoid cleaning with harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the surface of the pottery and/or the marks.
– Don’t place your pottery in direct sunlight, as this can fade the colors over time.
– Take care when handling your pottery, as dropping it can break it and/or damage the marks.

By taking a few simple precautions, you can help ensure that your pottery collection will stay in good condition for years to come.

FAQs

1. What are some valuable pottery marks?

There are a number of valuable pottery marks, but some of the most sought-after include Meissen, Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, and Limoges. Each of these marks signifies a certain level of quality and craftsmanship, and collectors are willing to pay top dollar for pieces that bear them.

2. How can I tell if a piece of pottery is valuable?

There are a few ways to tell if a piece of pottery is valuable. First, look for a maker’s mark or another stamp that indicates the piece was made by a reputable manufacturer. Second, assess the condition of the piece — pristine examples will be worth more than those that are chipped or cracked. Finally, consider the rarity of the piece — unique or one-of-a-kind items will always be more valuable than mass-produced items.

3. Where can I find pottery that has value?

You can find valuable pottery marks in a number of places, but some of the best sources include antique stores, estate sales, and auction houses. Keep your eyes peeled for unmarked pieces as well — sometimes these can be even more valuable than those that are clearly marked!