'W over C' (Crown above) Pottery Mark Query - {editors note: Could It Be Wileman & Co, Foley China?}

by Kathy
(NC)

'W over C' (Crown above) {editors note: Could It Be Wileman & Co, Foley China?} Pottery Mark Query: I cannot find this mark anywhere online. This is on an Imari trio that I bought in England.

Any ideas?

Best regards

Kathy

==============================

Reply from Peter (admin) below - just scroll down

HOW I MADE MONEY FROM BITS & BOBS OF OLD CHINA .....more

Reply by Peter (admin)

To:- 'W over C' (Crown above) {editors note: Could It Be Wileman & Co, Foley China?} Pottery Mark Query:

Hi Kathy

Well, what a nice trio you have! I love the Imari pattern, it is stunning. Thanks for taking the time to upload a photo - it always helps with the identification of the pottery mark.

I think I have solved your quandary. The pottery backstamp shown is that of Wileman & Co, the makers of both Foley pottery and Shelly.

The good news is that for some reason or other, Shelly has become a very collectible pottery mark for certain enthusiasts, and the feeling may well have rubbed off on sister brand Foley China.

The only thing you need to be aware of (typical in this convoluted world of pottery markings) is that there are other pottery marks called "Foley" quite unassociated with your china mark.

One is called Foley by W.H Brain (see below).

Another is 'Old Foley' (see below)

A third is J G S & Co Ltd (J Goodwin Stoddard & Co) which has a globe mark often branded as 'Foley Bone China'. They were around from 1898 - 1940, aka John Goodwin Stoddard, and were based as King Street, Foley, Longton.

You can read the history of the Wileman Foley brand by going to my A to Z Guide on China Manufacturers. Look under 'S' for Shelly.

The story of the E Brain version of 'Foley' goes like this:-

Around 1885 a gentleman called Mr E. Brain bought out his partner (Mr Robinson) at the Foley works, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. On his father's death W.H Brain took over. They had a well known trade mark 'EB'.

Wileman & Co (later Shelley) produced china from the same Foley works between 1892 and 1925.

The Wileman & Co pottery mark has distinguishing overlaid initials W and C normally with a crown above (your mark).

Wileman was also in partnership with J.B. Shelley over that period. In 1925 the company was renamed 'Shelley'.

The 'Old Foley' mark wasw issued by by James Kent Ltd of Longton who produced various pottery marks out of the 'Old Foley Pottery' from 1897, but didn't market an actual 'Old Foley' brand until after 1955.

Hope this information is useful.

Best regards,

Peter (admin)

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.