The history of the Royal Doulton brand is a long and complex one. That consists of subsidiaries, mergers, collaborations and limited releases. This can make finding the age of a Royal Doulton piece difficult to determine. In this article we will be providing you with some helpful tips for working out the age of your Royal Doulton piece, by comparing the Royal Doulton marks, trademarks, base marks, and pattern codes. … [Read more...]
Wedgwood Markings
Josiah Wedgwood was a famous manufacturer of porcelain and earthenware. While many of his earlier works prior to 1781 may be unmarked, Josiah was the first potter of note to mark his wares with his own name, at a time when other potters were using easily forged marks such as the Sevres double L mark, the Meissen crossed swords mark, or the Chelsea Potteries anchor Mark. The Wedgwood marks have gone through several iterations over the years, as the company struck up partnership deals, … [Read more...]
5 Popular Patterns of Depression Glass
Currently, the five most popular patterns of Depression glass are Cameo, Mayfair, American Sweetheart, Princess and Royal Lace. I will briefly cover characteristics of each pattern. Depression Glass Patterns Cameo Pattern Cameo was produced by Hocking from 1930-1934. Most of the Cameo a collector will find will be green, though the pattern was made in yellow, pink and crystal with a platinum trim. Pink pieces are very rare due to limited production. Yellow was made only during the years of … [Read more...]
10 Antique and Collectible Christmas Presents for Anyone
Don't know what to get that special person? One thing you can never go wrong with is an antique or collectible. This is a great way to start a tradition or carry one on this holiday season. Here are some great gift ideas for the Holiday season. … [Read more...]
Quick Facts about Wedgwood China
Wedgwood is just over 250 years old. This makes any piece of Wedgwood made from the first year to 150 years into production an antique. For an item to be an antique it has to be at least 100 years old. Read the differences between antique, vintage, and collectible item for more information. The Wedgwood Company keeps thorough records of all the designs they produce. Pieces of Wedgwood can be easily and accurately dated. … [Read more...]
5 Popular Antiques and Collectibles You Can Find Cheap at Estate Sales and Resell for a Profit
We have all heard the stories about someone finding a painting at an estate sale or flee market for 10 dollars then selling it at an auction for thousands. While I was working at an auction house in the Chicago area I would see this happen regularly. For example a lady bought a stein for $12.00 at a garage sale on the way to the auction house. This turned out to be a Meissen stein that sold at an auction for $1,200.00. This happens more often than people think. Many times people will have an … [Read more...]
7 Tips to Authenticate Antiques Using Black (UV) Light
In this article I have explained a few techniques on how to date and test for authenticity of antiques using a black light. Black lights produce Ultra Violet (UV). Many materials fluoresce under ultraviolet lighting producing colors or light that our eyes can see, and making things that might go undetected visible to us. Some clues to age or telltale signs of repair are not easily visible to the naked eye, but will fluoresce under ultraviolet light (black light). … [Read more...]
Roseville Pottery Buying Guide
Facts about Roseville. In this article I will talk about some interesting facts about Roseville Pottery Company. I will also cover the value and how to tell the difference between a fake and a reproduction. Roseville used many different marks throughout the years. These marks can be used to help determine the age. Most all Roseville pieces and patterns are very collectible. Collectors look for pieces that are in mint-very good condition. Even the most common pieces of Roseville have high … [Read more...]
Character cookie jars worth more than just cookies
Cookie jars like cookbooks offer endless variety. The plain 1930s era stoneware jars were ultimately replaced by figures of every type like fruits including a pineapple, hippos, lions, cartoon characters, bears, windmills, houses, clowns, angels, leprechauns, barns, shapes and just about anything else you could picture. The initial figural cookie jars were decorated over their glaze with a cold paint, but by the 1940s an under glaze decorating technique was developed that produced bright, … [Read more...]
Fiestaware Modest Product Turned Into a Sought After Collectible
Homer Laughlin introduced Fiestaware in January 1936 at the Pottery and Glass Show in Pittsburgh. By the 1940s, 2,500 workers were cranking out 30 million pieces a year. The streamlined, modernistic dinnerware initially came in five colors: red, dark blue, yellow, light green and ivory. Colors changed like the leaves in fall. Turquoise was added in 1937. … [Read more...]
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