What Is Staffordshire Porcelain?

Staffordshire ware, lead-glazed earthenware and unglazed or salt-glazed stoneware made in Staffordshire, England, from the 17th century onward. Abundance of local clays and coal gave rise to a concentration of pottery factories that made Staffordshire one of the foremost pottery centres in Europe.

Is Staffordshire china worth anything?

Values vary widely ranging from $500 to several thousands of dollars for each piece depending on many different factors. Staffordshire pieces were exhibited at World’s Fairs and public exhibitions like the Panama Pacific Expo of 1915.

How do I know if my Staffordshire pottery is real?

What to look for:

  1. Press moulded body with defined modelling and a very small firing hole in the base.
  2. Painted decoration: detailed with a face full of character and slight differences between the pair.
  3. The back may be painted.
  4. Soft gilding showing evidence of age.
  5. Signs of crazing, or firing flaws on the base.

What is Staffordshire pottery called?

Royal Stafford is based in the Royal Overhouse Manufactory, one of the oldest pottery factories in Burslem, the Mother Town of the Potteries in Stoke-on-Trent. The Royal Stafford brand was established in 1845 and is recognised around the world as providing high quality, beautiful tableware.

Is all Staffordshire pottery marks?

Staffordshire figures are a type of popular pottery figurine made in England from the 18th century onward. Most Staffordshire figures made from 1740 to 1900 were produced by small potteries and makers’ marks are generally absent.

How do I know if my Chinese porcelain is valuable?

How do I know if my Chinese pottery is worth anything?

  1. Firstly, check the shape of the item to be clear about the piece you’re dealing with.
  2. Then make note of the style, colour and decoration of the piece.
  3. Assess for marking on the item or damages.
  4. Finally, check the base of the piece to see if there are any markings.

How do I know if my pottery is valuable?

  1. 1) Condition. The condition of a piece of pottery will dictate its value.
  2. 2) Rarity. When an item is rare, it means that there are not many of them around.
  3. 3) Authenticity. How original is the piece?
  4. 4) Aesthetics.
  5. 5) Desirability.
  6. 6) Provenance.
  7. Carry Out Research.
  8. Auction.

What is the mark on the bottom of pottery called?

potter’s mark, also called factory mark, device for the purpose of identifying commercial pottery wares. Except for those of Wedgwood, stonewares before the 20th century were not often marked. On some earthenware, potters’ marks are frequently seen, but signatures are rare.

What do numbers mean on bottom of pottery?

There are marks that indicate a specific mold called a mold number. These numbers often look like dates such as 1953 or 1789. It is rare that a piece of pottery will have a date stamped or embossed into its base. If a number looks like a date or a year, it is most likely a mold number.

How can you tell if pottery is antique?

One way to check if unmarked pottery is antique or faux is by checking the bottom of the piece. The bottom has an unglazed area, revealing the type of clay used on the piece. Clay used to make antique pieces is old and dusty compared to the one used on faux pieces.

Why is Staffordshire famous for pottery?

Abundance of local clays and coal gave rise to a concentration of pottery factories that made Staffordshire one of the foremost pottery centres in Europe. Porcelain was first made at Longton Hall c. 1750. Among the distinguished factories located there were Spode, Minton, Wedgwood, and New Hall.

What is Staffordshire famous for?

Staffordshire is a West Midlands county most famous for its namesake breed of dog but offers a wide range of historic attractions, modern cities and unique activities. This county is home to the Peak District National Park with its rolling fields and back-to-nature excursions.

How do you identify a signature on pottery?

How do you distinguish a signature from a mark? Signatures are carved by hand, sometimes painted. Marks are usually stamped, so they look much more perfect. If the artist has a good hand guidance, or presses strokes with tools, one cannot distinguish sometimes well whether it is a mark or a signature.

Is there unmarked McCoy pottery?

Very many of the pieces produced by the Brush-McCoy pottery, as in the case of the J.W. McCoy pottery, had no identifying marks at all. Relatively early though, the procedure of marking their wares with a style number was adopted.

What is the Dresden mark?

Characterized by ornate designs of fruit, shells, foliage, scrolls, and flowers, Dresden china arose during the Romantic period of the 19th century. A blue crown Dresden mark was registered by four ceramic decorators in 1883. Dresden was chosen because the city was a center of this artistic movement in Europe.

How do I sell old Chinese porcelain?

The Best Places To Sell Your Chinese Pottery And Porcelain

  1. Auction. Auction houses are a popular place to try and sell niche items, including Chinese antique pottery.
  2. Dealer. The next place most sellers consider is a professional dealer.
  3. Collector.
  4. Ebay.
  5. Consignment.

Is Older china worth anything?

Depending on the pattern, condition and current supply and demand, you can make a few hundred dollars when you sell Nana’s china plates collection. But, unless you have some of the more rare patterns that can fetch $1,000 a plate, don’t expect to get rich.

Which is more valuable porcelain or ceramic?

Though the two are very similar, porcelain tends to be more expensive than ceramic. Both can be used in heavy-duty house wares, such as tile flooring, as well as more delicate items such as dishes and figurines.

What is the most sought after pottery?

Most Valuable American Pottery

  • Arequipa Art Pottery.
  • Brouwer Art Pottery.
  • Dedham Art Pottery.
  • Fulper Art Pottery.
  • Grand Feu Art Pottery.
  • Susan Frackelton Art Pottery.

What vintage pottery is worth money?

Certain makers are always desirable. Look for names like Grueby, Marblehead, Newcomb College, SEG, TECO and Rookwood. Other names can be valuable but do not always bring top dollar. These are makers such as Fulper, Hampshire, Roseville, Van Briggle and Weller.

How can you tell how old a porcelain is?

Scientists can determine the age of the ceramic, that is since it was fired, by heating it and measuring the amount of light given off. To achieve this, researchers expose the ground electrons, otherwise called grains, to a known amount of light and compare it to the unknown sediment.