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A Guide to Royal Crown Derby Pottery Markings

Debbie Porter

At Potteries Auctions we auction and sell a wide range of pottery, ceramics and Fine Bone China from all over the world. However, our location in Staffordshire uniquely places us in the heart of the Potteries and makes us best placed to work with local companies such as Royal Crown Derby. We are only a stone’s throw away from their factory in Osmaston Road, Derby.

If you are looking to sell your Royal Crown Derby pottery, or enquire aboutvaluations of Royal Crown Derby pottery, our experts are here to help. We’ve also created this markings guide to allow you to identify dates and makers marks on your Royal Crown Derby pottery.

What Makes Royal Crown Derby Distinctive?

Royal Crown Derby was established in 1750 and is one of the oldest manufactures of Fine Bone China. To this day, Royal Crown Derby remains a family business, priding themselves on creating quality and exquisite tableware. These pieces are creative and often found themselves sitting in prestigious hotels and even on the tables of the royal family.

This history of Royal Crown Derby is complex and varied, but they still proudly make all of their products in the UK.

Is Royal Crown Derby China Valuable?

Many collectors might look for older royal Crown Derby pieces as they hold the most value, however, many believe that Royal Crown Derby pieces being produced today will be valuable in the future.A Royal Crown Derby Gypsy Caravan paperweight

This magnificent Royal Crown Derby Gypsy Caravan paperweight sold for £300 at our November 2018 Antique, Rare Pottery and Fine Art Sale

What Markings Should I Look Out for On Royal Crown Derby China?

Due to the interesting history of Royal Crown Derby, there are many different markings to look out for, as there have been various factories that have been home to the production of Royal Crown Derby over the years. It’s also important to look out for date markings. You can find more information about date markings here.

Trademarks from the Nottingham Road Royal Crown Derby Factory

A Royal Crown Derby backstamp that features the word

The Rebus for Richard Holdship Trademark C.1761 – 1769. This can often be found on transfer printed wares.

A Royal Crown Deby backstamp that features an

This is the Incised Mark C.1778 – 1780/1

Two small Royal Crown Derby backstamps that both feature anchor symbols

The Chelsea-Derby Trademark C.1770 – 1783. This was in use at Chelsea.

Two Royal Crown Derby backstamps that both feature a crown symbol atop a cursive

The Chelsea Derby Trademark used in C.1775. This was in use in Derby and is usually in blue.

A Royal Crown Derby backstamp that features a crown symbol atop a small anchor

The Chelsea Derby Trademark C.1775 – 1777. This mark was in use at Chelsea.

Three examples of a Royal Crown Derby backstamp, all of varying quality, that feature a cursive

This trademark was used from C.1784 – 1825, but after 1820 the mark became increasingly carelessly drawn. You’ll find these marks in blue, puce and red.

Two Royal Crown Derby backstamps, both featuring a long

These markings are very rare. They were used from C.1785 – 1795.

Three Royal Crown Derby backstamps in a more gothic style that all feature a much more detailed crown symbol

These beautiful markings signify a Robert Bloor piece, printed in Gothic-style marks. C.1825 – 1848.

Three Royal Crown Derby backstamps. The first two feature a crown symbol and read

These trademarks can be found on the Bloor figures C.1830.

Trademarks from the King Street Royal Crown Derby Factory

A rubber stampesque Royal Crown Derby backstamp that reads

This is an example of the Locker & Co. Trademark, C.1848 – 1859.

A rubber stamp esque Royal Crown Derby backstamp that features a crown and reads

The Stephenson Sharp & Co. Trademark, used from C.1859 – 1861.

A Royal Crown Derby backstamp that features a crown symbol on top, crossed swords, and the letters S, H and D

The Stevenson and Hancock/ Sampson Hancock Trademark. You’ll find this mark in blue, red and puce, it was used C.1861 – 1935.

A Royal Crown Derby backstamp that simply features a W symbol overlayed on an L symbol

This is the William Larcombe Trademark C.1915 – 1917.

A Royal Crown Derby backstamp that simply features a W symbol overlayed on a symbol that combines a P and an L

When Paget was added, this trademark was created. The Larcombe and Paget Trademark 1917 – 1933.

Trademarks from the Osmaston Road Factory Crown Derby Factory

The iconic Royal Crown Derby backstamp, it features a crown symbol

An iconic Royal Crown Derby mark, The Derby Crown Period C.1877-1890.

A Royal Crown Derby backstamp that features a crown symbol and reads

The Royal Crown Derby Trademark C.1891 – 1921. You might also find the ‘made in England’ horizontally underneath the stamp.

The iconic Royal Crown Derby backstamp with the addition of text that reads

This is the Wartime Mark and is often found in dark green. Used C.1940 – 1945.

A Royal Crown Derby backstamp that features the iconic symbol with the words

The Royal Crown Derby Trademark used C.1952 – 1975.

The iconic Royal Crown Derby symbol surrounded by a circle of text that reads

The Royal Crown Derby Trademark C.1976 – 2013.

The Royal Crown Derby Trademark 2000.

Backstamp photo credits: Royal Crown Derby.

How Do I Get My Royal Crown Derby Valued to Sell at Auction?

Do you have a similar set of Royal Crown Derby dinnerware? We valued this Pinxton Rose Royal Crown Derby set, and it reached a whopping £1600 at auction.

A Pinxton Rose Royal Crown Derby dinnerware set

Potteries Auctions can identify and provide valuations on a wide range of Royal Crown Derby pieces. Please get in touch with usto discuss how we can help you or request a call back if you are looking for an expert evaluation and are seeking to sell your Royal Crown Derby china.

Selling at Auction

If you have Royal Crown Devon pieces you’re looking to sell, their pieces consistently perform well at auction and our staff is well-placed to provide valuations and advice on selling your items. Call 01782 638100 or emailenquiries@potteriesauctions.com to book a valuation appointment to attend one of our Tuesday valuation days. We also provide valuations via WhatsApp, simply send some clear photographs of your items via the app to 07864 667940. Additionally, we can send you links to our catalogues via WhatsApp–message the above number via the app and ask to receive our catalogues. Make sure you are subscribed to our email newsletters, too!