Home >> Collecting >> Antiques

How To Indentify a Wedgwood Vase

The Josiah Wedgwood and Sons pottery firm, usually referred to simply as "Wedgwood," was founded in 1759 and is now merged with Waterford Crystal. Wedgwood is especially famous for two distinctive types of pottery: the blue-and-white Jasperware decorated with classical motifs; and the cream-colored Queen's Ware, named for Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III. Wedgwood pieces have been marked almost from the company's beginnings, so it is unlikely that you will have a piece of true Wedgwood that is unmarked. You will find exceptions, however, so don't lose hope that your vase is genuine.

Things You'll Need

Thin paper, such as tracing paper
Pencil or crayon
Camera

Instructions

- 1
  Turn over your vase and find the trademark. It may be stamped or printed, depending on the manufacture date.
- 2
  Make a rubbing with tracing paper and a pencil or crayon if you have trouble reading the trademark. Hold the paper tightly over the trademark and rub the flat side of the pencil lead or crayon over the trademark. Use light pressure at first, increasing only if you still have trouble seeing the mark. If you have a digital camera, take a photo and use the camera software on your computer to increase contrast enough to read the trademark.
- 3
  Check the spelling of the trademark. Real Wedgwood is spelled without a second "e" in the name. If the mark reads "Wedgewood," your vase is not a true Wedgwood piece.
- 4
  Compare your trademark to the marks listed on the official Wedgwood site. This tells you the date your vase was manufactured.
- 5
  Check the vases shown in the online collection of the Wedgwood Museum site to look for a similar-style vase. This can help you identify the style name and manufacture date of your vase.
- 6
  Contact the Wedgwood company if you are still stumped. According to their website, if you send a photo, full details and rubbings of all marks on your vase to the Wedgwood Museum, they will do their best to provide you with complete information about your vase.
  
  The Wedgwood Museum
  Josiah Wedgwood & Sons Ltd.
  Barlaston, Stoke-on-Trent
  Staffordshire
  ST12 9ES
  England
  wedgwood.com/GB/About_Wedgwood/_Information/Identify_Wedgwood

Antiques