Pottery Mark Query - Royal Worcester Date Markings

by Janice

Pottery Mark Query - Royal Worcester Date Markings:- I am trying to date an old Royal Worcester vase. I know quite a bit about it, but I suspect I need a Royal Worcester resource book. The green mark is the standard circle and crown with the 51 inside. There are no dots and no words around the circle. There is also an impressed crown and circle mark and an impressed W 6. Am I correct in assuming that this dates to 1885?

Thanks

Janice

================================
Reply by The Forum Help Elf (admin research)

to Pottery Mark Query - Royal Worcester Date Markings

Dear Janice,

I would love to see a photo of the mark and of the vase itself. This would help to identify it properly.

It is very easy to go down the wrong road with marks.

For example, you are correct in saying that a 'W; mark can mean a date of 1885 but a letter system was introduced in 1950 where every piece until 1963 had a 'W' mark.

Differing numbers of dots were added to distinguish the date between these years. If you have the "w' without any dots if could be 1950 or 1885.

A big clue would be in the style of the piece. They would be very different.

(hence the need for a photo)

Does it say 'Royal Worcester England' ? This is a good guide as this was not introduced until 1891. Without it you would assume the 'W' to be 1885. With it, the later date seems more likely.

By the way, the Museum of Worcester Porcelain has an excellent website to help identify their wares.

http://www.worcesterporcelainmuseum.org.uk/uploaded/documents/3DatingRoyalWorcPorcel.pdf

Good luck with the identification and most of all I hope that you get pleasure from owning your vase.

Best regards

TFHE

p.s. The following page is a 'must see' if you are researching fine china - for value and identification:-

Researching the identity and value of antique and vintage fine china.

Please post comments below which you think might be helpful……