What do the markings such as B54 in the backstamp mean?
Harry Rinker states early marks on this pattern (C&I) were dated coded according to Curt Fahnert, director of dinnerware design development at Royal China until 1986. It is fairly certain the numbers indicates the year of production. The numbers range from 52 to 56. This would correspond to the period between 1952 and 1956. The meaning of the letters is still being debated. Some believe they refer to time periods, but not necessarily months. I believe they indicate months. I have seen letters range from A to N, with no G s or I s. I believe the reason for the missing G is that it could be confused with a C , and the I could be confused with a numeral 1 .
