How Do You Identify An English China Pattern?
So you’ve inherited a crate full of Grandma Victoria’s dinnerware, but you haven’t a clue whether it’s Wedgewood or Spode, Royal Doulton or Beleek. Time to put on your detective cap and do a little investigating. Happily, there are plenty of resources to guide your efforts and you might find—at the end of your journey—that you’re in possession of heirloom treasures that will not only fill your breakfront with lovely antiques but leave behind your own legacy for your children. Turn over samples of the china to see if there’s a back stamp fired into one of the cups, plates or serving dishes in the collection. Match up the remainder of the pieces, and you’ll be able to identify your entire collection. Nail down the country of origin even if the brand name of the china is missing by locating any of these identifiers: Made in England, Made in Ireland, Made in the U.K. or Made in Great Britain (GB). Locate a comprehensive book on the history of English china or a coffee-table style book
