Moorcroft Pottery Guide: Identify, Collect & Value Your Pieces

Moorcroft pottery brings wonderfully bright colours and intricate designs to any home or collector’s display.

At Potteries Auctions, we have been selling Moorcroft pottery, from rare vases to stunning lamps, for over 25 years. Moorcroft is highly prized by collectors, and its value has steadily increased over the years.

If you are looking to expand your collection or sell your exquisite pieces, our specialists can help. Request a free valuation or send images via WhatsApp for expert advice today.

Wondering What Your Moorcroft Pottery Is Worth?

Our experts value hundreds of Moorcroft pieces every month.

✅ Free auction valuation
✅ No obligation
✅ UK pottery specialists

Whether you own a vase, lamp, or collectable piece, we can identify and value your pottery accurately, making selling your pieces simple and straightforward.

If you would prefer to speak with an expert in person, you can book a free appointment with our valuers at one of our salerooms. Alternatively, if it’s easier, you can submit photographs using our online valuation form, and a member of our team will be in touch with an assessment.

Valuations are also welcome via WhatsApp: send your images to 07864 667940.

Why Trust Potteries Auctions

With over 25 years’ experience, Potteries Auctions is one of the UK’s leading auction houses for 20th-century British pottery.

We work with collectors, dealers, and private sellers weekly, providing accurate valuations based on real auction results and current collector demand. Recent sales of Moorcroft pieces have ranged from a few hundred pounds for standard pieces to over £17,000 for rare, signed examples.

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History of Moorcroft Pottery

Moorcroft pottery was founded by William Moorcroft in 1897, and quickly gained a reputation for quality and artistry.

1928 – Appointed “Potters to H.M. The Queen,” cementing prestige
1945–1986 – Walter Moorcroft introduced iconic floral designs
Today – The Moorcroft Design Studio hosts world-class ceramic designers

Moorcroft pottery remains highly collectible for its artistry, craftsmanship, and heritage.

Why Moorcroft Pottery Is Famous

Moorcroft pieces were sought after by prestigious stores such as Harrods, Liberty, and Tiffany & Co.

Collectors prize Moorcroft pottery for:

Vibrant, long-lasting glazes
Unique floral and artistic designs
Limited production runs
Signed pieces and artist monograms

A Moorcroft Flambe Eventide vase, signed by William Moorcroft and dated 1928, sold for £17,200 at auction.

How Do You Identify Moorcroft Pottery?

Moorcroft pottery is unique in that it has mainly remained in ownership by one family since its founding. This has ensured there are, relatively, only a few markings and backstamps to look out for:

Early Moorcroft pieces are much sought after and often reach high prices at auctions.
All Moorcroft pieces have markings on the base. They will identify that the piece was made in England and the year the piece was made. The design year and initials will also show who the tubeliner or painter was.
You might also find an artist’s mark, sometimes called a ‘Moorcroft signature’ or ‘monogram’. Today, guest designers and members of the Moorcroft Design Studio each have personalised monograms.
If you find a silver stripe through a WM monogram, it often means the piece is a second quality item or that it’s imperfect.

How Do You Identify Moorcroft Pottery?

Moorcroft pottery is mainly marked on the base, showing:

Made in England and production year
Designer initials or signatures
Artist monograms
Silver stripes indicating second-quality pieces

Even small details, such as tubeliner initials or impressed marks, can indicate rarity and value.

Moorcroft Year Cypher Markings

In 1990, Moorcroft added year cyphers to the base of their pottery pieces. These are often symbols or designs to help identity the year the piece was made. You might see some copyright marks too; these show the date when the design was first used.

1990 – Arrow
1991 – Bell
1992 – Candlestick
1993 – Diamond
1994 – Eye
1995 – Flag
1996 – Gate
1997 – HC monogram for the centenary year
1998 – Iron
1999 – Jug
2000 – Key with a double ‘M’ for the teeth
2001 – Leaf
2002 – Mushroom
2003 – Nib
2004 – Octagon
2005 – Pineapple
2006 – Question Mark replaced with ‘Q’
2007 – Racquet
2008 – Strawberry
2009 – Teapot
2010 – Umbrella
2011 – Vase
2012 – Windmill
2013 – Xylophone
2014 – Yacht
2015 – Z
2016 – Anchor
2017 – Butterfly
2018 – Cat
2019- Dice

High-Value Moorcroft Examples

Some highly sought-after pieces include:

Florian vases and plaques
Flambe and Eventide series
Limited edition lamps
Signed artist pieces from the Moorcroft Design Studio

These can fetch thousands at auction depending on rarity and condition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moorcroft Pottery at Auction

How do I identify Moorcroft pottery?

Look for base markings showing production year, artist monograms, and signatures. Experts can help confirm authenticity.

Are all Moorcroft pieces valuable?

Early, signed, or rare editions are most sought after. Common pieces have modest value but are still collectible.

Can I sell Moorcroft pottery at auction?

Yes. Auction houses like Potteries Auctions provide professional valuations and reach competitive collector markets.

How do I get a valuation?

You can:
Submit images through our online valuation form
Send photos via WhatsApp 07864 667940
Book an in-person appointment
Email: enquiries@potteriesauctions.com