Identify a porcelain mark from a photo

How to photograph the mark

The mark is usually on the base: painted under the glaze, printed in blue, green or gold, or impressed into the clay. Take two photos — the whole piece and the mark close up in daylight, without flash. If there are numbers or letters next to the mark, make sure they are readable: they often show the pattern, the decorator or the year.

A mark alone does not give a price: the same factory made everyday cups and exceptional pieces. That is why we always ask for the whole piece too.

British marks people ask about most

Royal Worcester

Worcester has made porcelain since 1751. From 1862 the printed crowned-circle mark was used, and from 1867 a system of date letters and, later, dots added around the mark lets you date many pieces to a specific year. Hand-painted fruit and birds signed by known painters are the most sought after.

Royal Crown Derby

The crown over the letter D and crossed batons. From 1882 Derby used year cyphers — small symbols under the mark — so most pieces can be dated precisely. The Imari patterns and the paperweights are the best-known lines.

Wedgwood

Founded by Josiah Wedgwood in 1759. The name is usually impressed in the clay. The word «England» was added from 1891 and «Made in England» from the early 20th century, which helps date jasperware and creamware.

Spode, Minton, Royal Doulton

Spode is famous for blue and white transferware (Blue Italian), Minton for majolica and fine bone china, Royal Doulton for figurines with HN numbers. Each changed its backstamp over time, so the exact form of the mark matters.

Continental marks often found in the UK

Meissen crossed swords (also one of the most copied marks), Limoges, Dresden, Sèvres, Herend and Noritake. A famous mark does not guarantee authenticity: the shape, the paste and the quality of painting must match it.

What if there is no mark?

Many good pieces were never marked or have lost their mark. Then shape, body, decoration style and wear tell the story. Upload it anyway: the AI will try to attribute it by style and period, and will say clearly when it is not sure.