How to date a pot with no backstamps: The easiest way to date a pot is often from a manufacturers backstamp. But what if the base has no markings at all? What clues can be used to help with dating?
We can look at several factors and see when they were introduced ( therefore the earliest the pot can date from) and when they were most fashionable ( therefore most likely that the pot will date from).
These include: - Type of glaze
- Type of decoration
- Style of pot
- Colour
- Function of the item
For example a pot purpose built as an electric lamp with space for the fittings. This piece therefore has to post date the introduction of electricity. We can then look at the style - perhaps its post-war modernist which would date it from between 1950s and 1970s. Another example: A tile has a majolica glaze, a Victorian aesthetic design and is about 12 mm thick. Majolica glazes ceased to be used in the early 20th century as they were toxic to the potters and so from the glaze it could date from the mid Victorian era to circa 1920s. However, the Japonaise / Victorian aesthetic stylised leaf design were first fashionable in the 1870s and as the tile is quite thick it is most likely that the tile dates from this era rather than in the late Victorian era or the early 1900s
How to date a pot from the marks on the base other than makers marks:
There are a wide variety of potters marks placed on the bases of pots. Just try turning a few over and see what you can find. If you are lucky enough to come across a makers mark you can use reference books and internet sites to help date your pot. There are other marks which can also be useful: The Word England was placed on the base of pots as the country of manufacture was required by the McKinley Tarriff Act from 1891. Pots with England on the base will date after this time. This was upgraded to Made in England circa 1920 Words like "Ltd" after the company name and the word "Royal" or a Royal Coat of Arms will mean that the item is Victorian at the very earliest as would a pattern name on the base of your pot. Oven Proof, Microwave Safe and Dishwasher Safe are all later 20th Century innovations a Bar code on the base would never be found pre-1970s. Bone China, Fine China are both 20th Century and I am told that Great Britain is a mid 20th century term.
Anne Haile - Antiques Dealer and Writer. You can find my shop AntiquesAvenue at Antique shopand a wide selection of Antiques Blog.