How do I identify an English china pattern?
Examine your piece carefully. English china is often labeled “bone” or “fine bone” china, a process perfected by Josiah Spode in 1799. English china tends to be creamy or pearly rather than the bright white of Oriental porcelains. English potters shared patterns like Blue Willow and Blue Italian; use details like cup and plate design to identify the maker. Modern English china bases display country of origin, maker and pattern name or registration data.Look for incised or printed backstamps on the dishes that contain pattern name, registration date or pattern serial number. Early English makers did not mark their pottery but Spode, Minton, Poole and others put their names on the undersides of their pieces as early advertising. Many also put the name of the pattern on dishes after 1810. Beginning in 1891, they stamped “England” on products and, after 1914, “Made in England.”Check for names or registration data on the backs of pieces. By 1875, manufacturers added the motto “Trade Mark” t
