Antique Pottery Marks

The markings on West German pottery vary. Nearly all pieces will include the words "West Germany," indicating the place of origin. Some also feature a piece or style number and/or a company logo or marking. You can compare the markings on your pottery to images posted on trusted online resources to identify pieces. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of West German pottery.

Pottery marked by certain makers can be worth money. Today, there is a market for pottery produced by many makers, including Wedgwood, Meissen, Moorcroft, Spode, Coalport, Roseville, Weller, Paul Revere, Bauer, Grueby, Teco and Van Briggle. Pieces from certain countries, regions and periods, such as Chinese pottery, Limoges porcelain and Delftware, are also collectible. You can find images of markings associated with these makers and pottery types on trusted online resources. Keep in mind that, in addition to the maker, the age, type, style and condition of pottery also impact its value. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of pottery.

To identify Satsuma pottery marks, you'll typically need to perform research using trusted online resources. Satsuma is a region in Japan known for its pottery, and many factories and artisans have operated there, including Kinkozan, Taizan, Yasuda, Choshuzan, Fuzan, Gyozan, Koshida and Maruni Kobe. Each maker has its own marks associated with it, and these typically are in Japanese kanji characters. You can compare the characters on your piece to pictures shared online to find a match. Alternatively, a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer can help you identify your pottery markings. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Satsuma pottery.

To identify studio pottery marks, you can first try photographing the marking and performing a reverse image search. In some cases, this approach will lead to a quick identification. When it doesn't, you can enter a description of the marking into a search engine or look for images of the marks in trustworthy reference guides. If you need further assistance, seek the advice of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of pottery.

To identify Italian pottery marks, you can try checking trusted online resources and databases. Search for a description of the mark or browse images to look for ones that match. Because it can be difficult to determine the authenticity of pottery, you may wish to seek the help of a certified appraiser who is knowledgeable about Italian makers. With respect to Italian porcelain, major manufacturers include Richard Ginori and Capodimonte (the latter was founded by King Charles VII of Naples). Beginning in the mid-18th century, porcelain made by King Charles VII’s factory was stamped with a fleur-de-lis, usually in underglaze blue. Pieces from Ferdinand’s were stamped with a Neapolitan N topped by a crown. When secondary manufacturers began production, they retained this mark, in multiple variations. Find a collection of Italian pottery on 1stDibs.

To identify your Delft pottery marks, try using the factory mark database on the Delfts Aardewerk platform. Several Dutch museums joined forces to create this site in order to educate the public and collectors about Delftware. On it, you'll find hundreds of pictures of makers’ markings and a handy search feature for browsing the images based on a description of your marking. If you're unable to find your mark on the site, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can aid you with making an identification. Explore a selection of Delft pottery on 1stDibs.

Pottery marked Germany is likely to have been produced between 1887 and 1949. A certified appraiser can help you determine the exact age of a particular piece. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Germany pottery from some of the world's top sellers.

To identify Jasba pottery marks, look for the Jasba name. Most pieces produced by the West German pottery maker will say “JASBA” on the base. The name may appear on its own or be positioned inside a square. Some pieces also read “West Germany.” Pottery from Jasba's N Series will also usually feature a series of numbers preceded by the letter "N." You can use trusted online resources to learn your pottery's style, name and age based on these “N” markings. To get more information about your pottery, use the services of a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of Jasba pottery.

To identify vintage Italian pottery marks, you can research them yourself using trusted online resources or consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. One way to begin researching pottery marks on your piece is to take a photograph and then perform a reverse image search. If your search yields no results, type a description into a search engine or review image reference guides devoted to Italian pottery. Once you have identified the maker, learn more about the various markings it has used over the years and use this information to get a rough idea of the age of your piece. To be considered vintage, pottery must be between 20 and 99 years old. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of vintage Italian pottery.

To identify antique clockmakers' marks, try taking a photo with your mobile device. A reverse image search may turn up a match that will allow you to make a positive identification. If not, type a description of the marking into a search engine or review image guides and other references published on trusted online resources. Alternatively, you can use the services of a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. Find a wide variety of antique clocks on 1stDibs.

To tell if pottery is antique, first look for any identifying marks. Usually, you will notice them on the bottom of the piece. If you locate one, you can use an authoritative resource to determine the maker. Then, you can research the pattern and shape to determine an approximate date. Pottery made over 100 years ago is generally considered an antique. Find a range of expertly vetted antique pottery on 1stDibs.

To tell if your Japanese pottery is antique, look for markings, which usually appear on the bottoms of pieces. If you see the word "Nippon," your piece was likely produced between 1891 and 1921, making it an antique. Pieces marked with the words "made in occupied Japan" originated between 1945 and 1952 and are vintage, based on their age. A "made in Japan" marking may indicate a vintage or contemporary piece. If you don't see any of these markings, consult trusted online resources to get a rough idea of when your pottery was produced. Any piece that dates back 100 years or more is antique. Should you encounter difficulty with the dating process, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Japanese pottery.

To tell an antique Italian pottery apart from other pieces, do some research using trusted online resources. First, identify the maker by looking for marks on the bottom or interior. Once you know who produced your pottery, you can then explore the styles and types of pieces they produced over the years and use this information to estimate your piece's age. For pottery to be antique, it must be at least 100 years old. If you'd like assistance with the dating process, talk to a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Shop a collection of antique Italian pottery on 1stDibs.