Royal Crown Derby: marks and value
Upload a photo of your Royal Crown Derby piece and its base — the AI identifies the period and gives a realistic price range.
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Derby porcelain dates back to the mid-18th century; the «Royal Crown Derby» name comes from 1890. Most pieces can be dated to the year from a small symbol under the mark.
History
Porcelain was made in Derby from around 1750. The Derby Crown Porcelain Company was founded in 1877 and granted the «Royal» title in 1890. The factory is famous for its Imari patterns — rich red, blue and gold — and, since 1981, for its paperweights.
How to read the marks and date it
The printed mark is a crown over the letter D with crossed batons and dots. From 1882 a year cypher — a small symbol such as a shape, a Roman numeral or later a letter — is placed under the mark, so most pieces can be dated precisely. Seconds are often marked with a scratch through the backstamp, which lowers value.
What is valuable
Early and 19th-century pieces, finely painted cabinet ware, rare and limited-edition paperweights (with the gold stopper and certificate), and large Imari pieces in perfect condition.
What usually sells for little
Common Imari tea ware in everyday patterns, seconds with scratched marks, and pieces with worn gold.
Other makers
Frequently asked questions
What is the year cypher on Royal Crown Derby?
A small symbol under the backstamp that shows the year of manufacture. Send a clear photo of the base and the AI will decode it.
Are Royal Crown Derby paperweights valuable?
Some are: limited and retired designs with their gold stopper, box and certificate sell best. Common designs sell for modest sums.