Guide to Understanding Valuable Pottery Marks in 2024
Professional antique pottery dealers and amateur collectors alike all rely on valuable pottery marks to help them identify where and when a piece of pottery was made. If you are new to the antique pottery world, it can be difficult to know where to start.
There are well over 100 valuable pottery marks as well as a host of valuable pottery brands to learn and sift through as you search second-hand stores and estate sales.
Porcelain, one of the most valuable and sought-after pottery materials, originated in China as early as the Shang Dynasty (around 1766 BCE), according to UNESCO, and its influence cannot be overstated.
The techniques for making, decorating and firing porcelain spread across the world and are still in use today. The long history of this material means that there are plenty of antique and vintage pottery dishes and objects to be found, if you know where to look.
So, whether you want to identify the valuable pottery marks on the dishes you already own or you’re simply hoping to learn more about valuable pottery brands, we’ve created a guide that will teach you more about the significance of valuable pottery marks.
We'll also share some of the most valuable ones so that you know what to look for at the next garage sale or estate sale you attend.
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What Are Valuable Pottery Marks?
To begin our exploration into valuable pottery marks, let’s first clear up some confusion about ceramics vs pottery. Ceramics is the larger branch of art where non-metal materials like different types of clay are shaped and fired. Pottery, specifically, refers to a ceramic vessel that holds something. For this reason, we’ll refer to the plates, dishes and mugs in this article as pottery.
Before the advent of industrial factories, pottery making was a highly skilled art form. To identify key characteristics, a system of pottery marks was used to let purchasers and collectors know more about each handmade piece. Like a fingerprint, no two pottery marks are exactly alike. It takes lots of study and familiarity with valuable pottery marks to be able to identify which pieces are most valuable.
Pottery marks fall into three main categories. First, factory marks that include information about the manufacturer and often include the company’s symbol. Next, artist signatures that tell you which specific artist made the piece. These can be in the shape of a number, letter or other code.
Finally, impressed logos. These more advanced marks tell more information about the colors, glazes or even exact dates when a piece was made.
What Pottery Names Are Worth Money?
Many different antique and vintage pottery pieces are worth money, the trick is to know which are popular. Antique pottery from China is some of the most valuable, as these pieces are often the oldest and have the longest history.
British China is also highly sought after, with companies like Wedgwood, Royal Doulton or Derby carrying quite a bit of prestige in the pottery world. European pottery like Delft china or Meissen pottery from Germany are also great pieces to look out for if you’d like to add value to your collection.
One thing to note is that while these large names are desirable, your pottery doesn’t have to be made by one of these manufacturers to be worth money. Several factors go into deciding what a piece of pottery is worth.
What Makes Pottery Marks Valuable?
Of course, one of the primary things that makes a certain pottery mark valuable is the company’s reputation. But this isn’t the only thing. Factors like age, quality and rarity also contribute to the value of the piece.
When looking for valuable pottery, try to identify the approximate age of the piece. Then look at the condition of the piece to see if it's chipped, cracked or discolored.
Finally, look for any clues to how rare the piece is. Items that were made in limited quantities are more valuable than those that were produced in large batches.
How Do I Identify My Pottery Mark?
Because there are over 100 valuable pottery marks, it’s best to start by doing some online research using sites like Antique-Marks.com that contain glossaries of the different marks. These pottery marks identification guides can help because many manufacturers changed their stamp over time.
It can be almost impossible to know all of the marks by heart, so you could also consider using a pottery mark identification app that you can bring with you when you are shopping to quickly identify marks on the go.
How to Tell If Pottery is Vintage?
The best way to tell if pottery is vintage is to check the markings. They are often the most reliable source of information about a piece. But if you are unfamiliar with the particular marking or it is hard to read, you might still be wondering how to tell if pottery is vintage. The best advice is simple: research.
Many antique ceramics won’t have markings, but if you have read up on the subject and learned more about the look, feel and weight of the pottery, you will gain an eye for it.
During your research, spend some time reading about different glazes and color palettes; different time periods are often reflected in the different methods and colors used. Another gauge of vintage or antique pottery is how it looks and feels.
Often older pieces are heavier and sturdier. You can also look for slight imperfections that will show the piece was made by hand rather than in a factory.
How Do I Find Out If My Pottery is Valuable?
Finding out that your pottery is old is one thing, but you still might be asking, “How do I find out if my pottery is valuable?” Again, the best way is with those trusty pottery marks.
Look for a maker’s mark stamp that shows it was made by a high-quality manufacturer. Check too for the condition of the piece. A Wedgwood platter that is chipped and cracked will be worth less than one that is in pristine condition. The same goes for rarity; the rarer a piece is, the more value it will carry.
10 Most Valuable Pottery Marks
1. Chinese Reign Marks
If you are truly looking for the oldest of the antique pottery marks, Chinese ceramics can certainly fit the bill. These class, delicate and ancient pieces feature hand-painted designs that usually tell a story.
Rather than a maker’s mark on the bottom, the oldest Chinese pottery will feature a reign mark that tells the dynasty during which the piece was made. These marks are often difficult to distinguish, not least because they are written in Chinese characters!
They are also often faked, so it’s important to take any pieces to an expert, as these are often the oldest and most valuable pieces of pottery. You’re more likely to find these pieces on sale at high-priced auctions rather than at an estate sale down the road, but keep your eyes open, just in case!
2. Wedgwood’s Iconic “W”
Chances are if you’ve been reading about porcelain at all, you’ve read the name Wedgwood — with one of the most valuable pottery marks. The founder, Josiah Wedgwood, is often called the “Father of English Potters,” which tells you something about his reputation.
To identify the traditional Wedgwood marks look for the words “Wedgwood” or “Wedgwood & Bently.” You might also see just the letters “W & B” on the underside of the pottery. Wedgwood pottery is characterized by its traditional and classical motifs, as well as its signature blue glaze.
3. Delft Blue Pottery
Delft pottery is some of the most valuable, but it is also some of the trickiest to identify. Keep in mind that the word “Delft” doesn’t signify a brand, so always check these pieces against a pottery marks identification guide or consult an expert.
Delft pottery originated in the Netherlands in the 1650s, and it is a combination of European and Asian cultures. You’ll be able to spot Delft pottery by its most iconic blue and white color scheme, but later pieces do incorporate other colors, as well.
The traditional, Asian-inspired designs might give you some pottery painting ideas of your own! The valuable pottery marks to look for with Delft pottery are an image of a jar or the initials “JT” with the word “Delft.”
4. Meissen’s Crossed Swords
Keeping to the European continent, Meissen is a German porcelain manufacturer that is quite valuable. The company began in 1710, but its famous crossed swords mark first was used in the 1720s. When looking for valuable pottery marks with the Meissen pottery brand, you will often see a dot or star between the tips of the crossed swords.
This china is highly sought after, and it has very elaborate designs. You can often tell the age of this pottery by the color. If the piece is a smokier white, it was probably made before 1720. If it is a brighter, more brilliant white, it most likely dates to the end of the 1720s.
5. Moorcroft Pottery
This English company is still in business today, and continues to create beautiful pieces. Some of its older pieces (the company began in 1897) are quite valuable.
The vintage pieces are characterized by botanical designs and bright glazes that are unlike the traditional, classical patterns made by other companies. For valuable pottery marks, look for the word “Moorcroft” or “W.M.” as well as a factory mark and pattern number to identify these pieces.
6. Vintage Spode
This English company, which was founded by Josiah Spode, is still creating pieces today, in combination with other brands like Royal Worcester. You might have seen their classic Christmas tree pattern appearing around the holidays.
In fact, many of their modern designs feature elements that have been in use by the company for over 100 years. To identify vintage or antique Spode china, look for its classic blue and white transferware. The valuable pottery marks to look for are simply the word “Spode” or “Spode’s Stone China.”
7. Coalport Porcelain Company
Another English company that produced some beautiful works of art was the Coalport Porcelain company, which was founded at the end of the 18th century. If you’re on the hunt for these pieces, try to find ones made in 1881, as they are the most valuable.
There are several valuable pottery marks to look for, including the word “Coalbrookdale” for older pieces or an image of a crown for later pieces. You can find Coalport still in operation today as part of the Wedgwood Pottery company.
8. Roseville Pottery
Valuable or vintage pottery doesn’t just belong to British or European manufacturers. This company began in Ohio in 1890, and was a hugely popular brand at the time. You’ll know a piece is Roseville made with floral prints and bright designs.
Its maker’s mark is often further distinguished with numbers that represent the shape and size of the piece. For these valuable pottery marks, be on the lookout for Roseville Pottery’s signature raised “Roseville” mark.
9. Weller Art Deco Pottery
Art Deco pottery is notable for its unique style and geometrical designs. One of the most well-known distributors of art deco pottery was the Weller Pottery company. These pieces were only produced between 1872 and 1948, which means there is a limited supply.
On the bottom of each piece produced between 1930 and 1940, you’ll find the valuable pottery marks with the name “Weller” in a loopy, cursive script. Often these pieces are meant for the garden or are hearty brown and white cooking ware.
10. Paul Revere Pottery
Another American pottery company with a unique history is the Paul Revere Pottery Company. This brand began around 1907 in conjunction with the Saturday Evening Girls Club. The idea was to provide jobs for immigrant women who had just moved to the United States.
You’ll often find one of two marks depending on the date of the piece. First, “SEG” for Saturday Evening Girls, and later the Paul Revere Seal with the location (Boston) or name of the company. Using a helpful tool like a pottery mark identification app can help you more precisely identify the pottery!
We hope this guide to identifying valuable pottery marks has been helpful to you. If your interest extends beyond simply shopping for vintage pottery, we encourage you to tackle a new skill like hand-building pottery, which makes a perfect starting point to pottery for beginners.
For even more pottery experience ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
