Staffordshire ceramics could be termed the people’s art as they were affordable figural potteries which adorned the homes of the rising middle classes of the 19th century. The endless varieties of Staffordshire figures make the hobby of collecting a very bewildering one at times, so we attempt to offer some general tips for identifying and collecting Staffordshire ceramics.
- Staffordshire has been in continuous production since circa 1780
Although Staffordshire is typically considered antique 19th century ceramics, it actually predates 1800 by about 20 years and post dates it to the present time, with most recent manufacture coming from Asia, especially China.
Technically speaking, Staffordshire ceramics refers to pottery made in England’s Staffordshire district, but loosely speaking Staffordshire may refer to the types or styles of figures made there. Serious collectors are typically only interested in pieces made in Staffordshire.
It is important to understand that Staffordshire has been in continuous production for well over two centuries, thus it is helpful to learn how to date Staffordshire pieces.
- Staffordshire has at least 5 main production eras
Staffordshire ceramics have been group into at least 5 main production eras which often correspond to changes in manufacturing technique. We present our view as follows:
1780 – 1840 – Pratt Era, Pre-Victorian
1840 – 1875 – High Victorian
1875 – 1900 – Late Victorian
1900 – 1960 – 20th century or modern
1960 – Present – International era – production continuing in England but reproduced in Asia
- Staffordshire is typically unmarked
Staffordshire ceramics are very rarely marked, and when they are, they are nearly always 20th century or later. Even with the requirement to mark wares, unscrupulous foreign makers in China flout US law with complicity of the US government, or attach easily removable labels. The Chinese own the Port of Los Angeles, and therefore are not inclined to observe US Laws.
Our advice is do not look for maker’s marks, and do not ever rely on them for dating or identification until the age of the pottery has been confirmed.
- Staffordshire has 2 primary construction techniques
Staffordshire figures may be manufactured by mold press or slip casting techniques. Mold pressed figures are constructed from at least 2 molds and put together with slip. Slip cast figures are poured into a mold and removed when the clay has contracted. Clearly the second method is cheaper and it rose to prominence in the mid 19th century especially after 1860, and within a few years eclipsed molded figures entirely.
It is important to note though that mold pressed figures can be found even in the 20th century meaning that construction technique is only a clue, not a definitive indicator, of age.
- Cobalt blue was used for a limited time in the 19th century
Under glaze cobalt blue enamel ended about 1860 due in part to save costs.
- Mirror gold indicates post 1875 production
Due to the dangers of producing and working with the dull gilding used until 1875, British laws barred its use, handing us another clue for dating Staffordshire.
- Ebay is a source of much improperly identified Staffordshire
Ebay is a hotbed for fakes and unknowledgeable people passing off fresh from China Staffordshire as authentic antique pieces. Myrna Schkolne has documented many of these on her website, but many sellers remain indifferent or hostile to her friendly advice.
- Flat back Staffordshire developed in the mid 19th century
As another cost saving measure, Staffordshire decorators, beginning in the mid 19th C., only painted the front of the Staffordshire, and often very sparsely at that. Sparse decoration is another non-determinative clue that a piece is of a certain age.
- Spray painting indicates very late 19th and 20th and 21st centuries decoration
Spray painted Staffordshire figures – especially animals – appear in the late 19th century, and become very common in the 20th century and later.
- Glass eyes were introduced in 1885
Glass eyes were added – generally to animals – starting in 1885, giving us another dating device.
Although there are more tips to share in a future article, these should give beginners a good start for identifying and organizing Staffordshire from various time periods, and to perhaps help focus interest.
