Royal Copenhagen porcelain is among the most recognisable and collectable forms of Danish porcelain. Famous for its beautifully modelled figures, hand-painted decoration and distinctive three blue waves mark, Royal Copenhagen has been producing porcelain for more than 250 years.
From animal figures and birds to character figures, vases, dinnerware and highly decorative patterns, Royal Copenhagen encompasses an enormous range of porcelain. Some pieces are relatively common, while rare, desirable or particularly well-preserved examples can command significant prices at auction.
This guide explores the history of Royal Copenhagen, how to identify Royal Copenhagen porcelain, the meaning of its famous marks and model numbers, its most collectable designs and figures, and how much Royal Copenhagen can be worth.
At Potteries Auctions, we regularly handle Royal Copenhagen porcelain as part of our specialist ceramics, collectables and Fine Art auctions. Our recent auction results demonstrate the variety of Royal Copenhagen that comes to market and the interest that individual pieces can attract from collectors.
Contact Us TodayRoyal Copenhagen at a glance
Manufacturer: Royal Porcelain Factory, Copenhagen, Denmark
Founded: 1775
Country: Denmark
Famous for: Hand-painted porcelain, figures, animals, birds, tableware and decorative pieces
Recognised by: Three blue waves, royal crown and painter’s mark
Collecting areas: Figures, animals, birds, vases, dinnerware, patterns and decorative porcelain
Royal Copenhagen pieces can often be identified by the combination of their factory mark, model number, decoration number and painter’s mark.
However, identifying a piece is only the first step. Rarity, subject, designer, condition, provenance and current collector demand can all influence its value.
What is Royal Copenhagen?
Royal Copenhagen is the name commonly used for the Danish Royal Porcelain Factory, founded in Copenhagen in 1775 under royal patronage.
The factory’s famous three blue waves were adopted as its trademark from the beginning. According to Royal Copenhagen, the three waves represent three of Denmark’s important waterways: the Sound, the Great Belt and the Little Belt.
The royal connection is also represented by the crown found on Royal Copenhagen marks.
Over its long history, the factory has produced an extraordinary range of porcelain, from functional tableware to highly detailed ornamental figures.
Its production includes:
- Porcelain figures
- Animal figures
- Bird figures
- Character figures
- Vases
- Plates
- Cups and saucers
- Dinner services
- Decorative objects
- Floral and botanical designs
- Collectable patterns
This breadth is one of the reasons Royal Copenhagen remains such an interesting area for collectors.
Contact Us TodayA brief history of Royal Copenhagen
The Royal Porcelain Factory was founded in Copenhagen in 1775.
From its earliest years, the factory developed a reputation for high-quality porcelain and highly skilled decoration. The three blue waves became its distinctive factory mark, while the royal crown reflected the factory’s connection with the Danish monarchy.
The factory’s history spans numerous periods of changing tastes, techniques and artistic influences. As a result, Royal Copenhagen porcelain can look remarkably different depending on when it was produced and which artist or designer was responsible for the piece.
The factory also developed an extensive repertoire of patterns, figures and decorative forms.
For collectors, this long history is particularly important because the age and production period of a piece can help establish its identity and desirability.
How to identify Royal Copenhagen porcelain
One of the most important things to examine when identifying Royal Copenhagen is the underside of the piece.
Royal Copenhagen states that its porcelain carries factory marks including the three waves, royal mark and painter’s mark. The company also provides a historical overview of its backstamps to help identify when pieces were produced.
You may find several different markings on the base of a piece, including:
The three blue waves
The three blue waves are the most recognisable Royal Copenhagen symbol.
They have been associated with the factory since its foundation and remain one of the defining characteristics of Royal Copenhagen porcelain.
The royal crown
The crown represents the royal origins of the factory.
The appearance of the crown has changed over time, meaning that the mark can provide useful clues when researching the age of a piece. Royal Copenhagen notes that the crown was initially painted by hand before the company began stamping it under the glaze during the 1870s.
The painter’s mark
Royal Copenhagen porcelain was traditionally hand-painted, and individual painters had their own marks.
These marks can sometimes help identify the person responsible for decorating a particular piece. Royal Copenhagen describes the painter’s mark as being comparable to a personal handwriting, reflecting the individual craftsman’s work.
Model numbers
A model number is another particularly useful feature.
Royal Copenhagen produced thousands of different models, and the number can help establish exactly what a figure, vase or other piece is.
For collectors and auctioneers, identifying the model can be considerably more useful than simply describing something as a “Royal Copenhagen figure”.
Contact Us TodayRoyal Copenhagen marks and backstamps
The Royal Copenhagen mark is one of the most important aspects of collecting and identifying the porcelain.
However, there is considerably more to Royal Copenhagen marks than simply looking for three blue waves.
The factory’s backstamps have changed throughout its history, and the combination of marks can provide clues about the period in which an item was produced. Royal Copenhagen itself maintains a historical overview of its backstamps.
Other information found on the underside may include:
- Factory marks
- The royal crown
- Three blue waves
- Painter’s marks
- Model numbers
- Decoration numbers
- Other production or identification marks
Our Royal Copenhagen Marks & Backstamps Guide will explore these marks in greater detail, including how to use them when dating and identifying Royal Copenhagen porcelain.
Royal Copenhagen model numbers and decoration numbers
Royal Copenhagen model numbers are particularly valuable when researching individual pieces.
A model number can identify the specific form or figure, while a decoration number can relate to the pattern or decoration applied to it.
For example, pieces appearing in a recent Potteries Auctions Fine Art Sale included:
- Mare with Foal No. 4698
- Shetland Pony No. 4611
- Grebe with Ducklings No. 3194
- Grebe No. 3263
- French Bulldog No. 1457
- Setter with a Pheasant No. 1533
- Woman Feeding a Calf No. 779
- Boy with Calf No. 772
- Amager Girls Reading No. 1395
- Amager Girl Darning Socks No. 1314
Finding a model number can therefore be one of the quickest ways to move from a general identification towards a specific piece.
When researching a Royal Copenhagen item, photograph the underside as well as the front and sides. The information on the base can be just as important as the appearance of the porcelain itself.
Royal Copenhagen figures
Royal Copenhagen figures are among the most popular areas of collecting.
The factory produced a huge variety of human figures, animals and birds, often capturing everyday activities, occupations and natural subjects in finely modelled porcelain.
Figures can vary considerably in size, subject, rarity and value.
Popular collecting areas include:
- Children
- Adults
- Workers and occupations
- Danish character figures
- Animal figures
- Dogs
- Horses
- Birds
- Wildlife
- Pairs and groups of figures
The designer and model number can be particularly important when assessing a figure.
Contact Us TodayRoyal Copenhagen animal figures
Animal figures form a particularly extensive part of Royal Copenhagen’s output.
The factory produced models depicting domestic animals, wildlife and birds, often with remarkable attention to anatomy and movement.
Examples include:
- Dogs
- Horses
- Cats
- Birds
- Ducks
- Geese
- Finches
- Sparrows
- Seagulls
- Grebes
- Terns
- Other wildlife
Recent Potteries Auctions results demonstrate the breadth of this collecting area.
A pair of Royal Copenhagen horses — a Mare with Foal No. 4698 and Shetland Pony No. 4611, both designed by Jeanne Grut — sold for £150, against an estimate of £60–£120.
A pair of Royal Copenhagen bird figures, including Grebe with Ducklings No. 3194 and Grebe No. 3263, sold for £110, against an estimate of £60–£120.
These results demonstrate why the precise identification of a figure is important when considering value.
Royal Copenhagen bird figures
Birds are another major area of Royal Copenhagen collecting.
The factory produced an extensive range of bird figures, from familiar garden birds to larger water birds and more unusual subjects.
Recent examples offered at Potteries Auctions included:
- Lovebirds
- Starling fledglings
- Sparrows
- Finches
- Crested tits
- Grebes
- Arctic terns
- Seagulls
- Ducklings
The size of a bird is not necessarily an indication of its value. The model, rarity, condition, designer and collector demand are often more important.
Royal Copenhagen vases
Royal Copenhagen is not only known for figures.
The factory also produced a huge variety of porcelain vases, many featuring beautifully painted floral and botanical decoration.
Recent Potteries Auctions lots included vases decorated with:
- Wildflowers
- Butterflies
- Blackberry branches
- Morning glory
- Wisteria
- Swallows
- Other floral and botanical subjects
Vases can be particularly interesting because decoration, shape, model number and painter can all contribute to their appeal.
Royal Copenhagen patterns
Royal Copenhagen has produced many famous porcelain patterns and decorative styles throughout its history.
Some are instantly recognisable, while others are considerably more specialised.
The best-known designs include classic blue-and-white patterns, as well as highly elaborate floral and botanical decoration.
Among the patterns and styles collectors may encounter are:
- Blue Fluted Plain
- Blue Fluted Half Lace
- Blue Fluted Full Lace
- Flora Danica
- Blue Flower
- Musselmalet
- Floral and botanical decorations
- Figurative and naturalistic decoration
Different patterns can appeal to very different collectors, and popularity does not necessarily correspond directly with age.
Contact Us TodayRoyal Copenhagen designers and artists
The designers and artists associated with Royal Copenhagen are an important part of its collecting history.
Individual artists created distinctive figures, and knowing the designer can sometimes provide valuable information about the desirability of a particular piece.
One example is Jeanne Grut, who designed numerous animal figures for Royal Copenhagen.
The pair of horses sold by Potteries Auctions — Mare with Foal No. 4698 and Shetland Pony No. 4611 — were both designed by Grut and achieved £150.
Other designers and artists associated with Royal Copenhagen include Ada Bonfils and Sterett Kelsey, whose work also appeared in our recent sale.
As with model numbers and marks, the artist should be considered alongside the subject, condition and rarity rather than used as a standalone indication of value.
What is Royal Copenhagen worth?
There is no single value for Royal Copenhagen porcelain.
A small vase might sell for a relatively modest amount, while a rare or desirable figure can attract considerably stronger bidding.
Factors that can affect the value of Royal Copenhagen include:
1. Model
The exact model can make a substantial difference.
2. Rarity
Pieces that are difficult to find can attract collectors looking to complete a particular collection.
3. Subject
Certain figures, animals, birds and decorative subjects may be more desirable than others.
4. Designer
The identity and reputation of the artist or designer can influence collector interest.
5. Condition
Chips, cracks, restoration, damage and losses can significantly affect value.
6. Age
Older does not automatically mean more valuable, but the production period can be important when assessing a piece.
7. Provenance
A documented history or interesting provenance can sometimes add appeal.
8. Current collector demand
Ultimately, auction prices reflect what buyers are prepared to pay at a particular time.
Contact Us TodayRecent Royal Copenhagen auction results
Potteries Auctions has handled a broad selection of Royal Copenhagen porcelain in recent Fine Art sales.
Some notable results include:
| Royal Copenhagen item | Estimate | Sold for |
|---|---|---|
| Mare with Foal No. 4698 & Shetland Pony No. 4611 | £60–£120 | £150 |
| Grebe with Ducklings No. 3194 & Grebe No. 3263 | £60–£120 | £110 |
| French Bulldog No. 1457 & Setter with a Pheasant No. 1533 | £40–£80 | £70 |
These results are useful examples of the prices that Royal Copenhagen can achieve, but they should not be interpreted as fixed valuations. Every piece is different.
How to value Royal Copenhagen porcelain
If you have inherited Royal Copenhagen, purchased pieces from an antique shop or discovered a collection that you would like to sell, identifying the individual pieces is the best place to start.
Look for:
The mark — Photograph the entire underside.
The model number — This can be one of the most useful pieces of information.
The decoration or pattern number — Record any additional numbers.
The painter’s mark — Don’t overlook small marks or signatures.
The condition — Check carefully for chips, cracks, repairs and restoration.
The dimensions — Height and width can help distinguish similar models.
The provenance — Keep any paperwork or information about where the piece came from.
A professional valuation can then take these factors into account alongside market knowledge and previous auction results.
Read our forthcoming Royal Copenhagen Value Guide for a more detailed look at the factors affecting value and examples of prices achieved.
Is Royal Copenhagen porcelain a good investment?
Royal Copenhagen is highly collectable, but it is important not to assume that every piece will increase in value simply because it is old or bears the Royal Copenhagen mark.
The market is driven by collector demand.
Some patterns and models are widely available, while others are much harder to find. Condition also plays a major role.
For this reason, the most useful question is usually not simply:
“How old is my Royal Copenhagen?”
but:
“Exactly what piece do I have, how rare is it, and what are collectors currently prepared to pay for it?”
Contact Us TodayHow to sell Royal Copenhagen
If you are considering selling Royal Copenhagen, you may have several options, including private sale, specialist dealers or auction.
For unusual, rare or collectable pieces, auction can provide access to multiple competing buyers rather than relying on a single buyer’s offer.
At Potteries Auctions, we can assess individual pieces as well as larger collections of Royal Copenhagen porcelain.
We consider:
- Identification
- Model numbers
- Patterns
- Designers
- Condition
- Rarity
- Previous auction results
- Current market demand
- How the pieces can best be presented to buyers
Whether you have a single figure, a collection of vases or a larger inherited service, specialist assessment can help determine the most appropriate route to market.
Contact Us TodayRoyal Copenhagen collecting: where should you start?
Royal Copenhagen is a vast collecting field, which is part of its appeal.
A collector might specialise in:
- Animal figures
- Birds
- Human figures
- Particular designers
- Specific patterns
- Blue-and-white porcelain
- Vases
- Early porcelain
- Particular model numbers
- A specific period of production
The more you learn about the marks, model numbers, designers and patterns, the easier it becomes to understand what makes individual pieces interesting.
Have Royal Copenhagen porcelain to sell?
Whether you have inherited a collection, own a single Royal Copenhagen figure or have accumulated porcelain over many years, Potteries Auctions can help you understand what you have and how it may perform at auction.
Our specialists can assess Royal Copenhagen figures, animals, birds, vases, tableware and other porcelain.
Contact Us TodayFrequently asked questions about Royal Copenhagen
Is Royal Copenhagen valuable?
Some Royal Copenhagen pieces are valuable, while others are relatively common. Value depends on factors including model, rarity, condition, designer, subject and current collector demand.
How can I tell if my Royal Copenhagen is genuine?
Start by examining the underside for the Royal Copenhagen three blue waves, crown, painter’s mark and other identifying information. However, marks should be considered alongside the piece itself and other identifying features.
What do the three waves on Royal Copenhagen mean?
The three blue waves are the factory’s famous trademark and represent three important Danish waterways: the Sound, the Great Belt and the Little Belt.
Where is the model number on Royal Copenhagen?
The model number is generally found on the underside of the piece, although the exact markings and placement can vary.
Are old Royal Copenhagen pieces valuable?
Not necessarily. Age is only one factor. A relatively modern but desirable model can sometimes attract stronger interest than an older, more common piece.
What Royal Copenhagen figures are worth the most?
There is no definitive list because auction prices vary according to rarity, condition, subject, designer and market demand. Particularly rare or desirable figures can attract strong competition.
Should I sell Royal Copenhagen as a collection or individually?
This depends on what you have. Pairs, related figures and collections can sometimes be attractive to specialist collectors, while particularly desirable individual pieces may benefit from being offered separately.
A specialist auctioneer can advise on the most appropriate approach.
Royal Copenhagen at Potteries Auctions
Potteries Auctions has specialist experience in ceramics, porcelain and collectables, with Royal Copenhagen among the many manufacturers and makers that appear in our Fine Art and specialist auctions.
Our recent Royal Copenhagen results show the variety of material that can come to market — from finely modelled animals and birds to character figures and decorative vases.
If you have Royal Copenhagen porcelain and would like professional advice about its identification, value or sale, contact Potteries Auctions to arrange a valuation.