How to Tell if an Earthenware Victorian Vase Is an Antique

Look at the mark. Victorian earthenware should have a mark, usually on the bottom of the vase. If your vase was made by a notable craftsmen, you will find a mark that resembles a diamond with on a circle on top that will indicate the date of completion. The letter on top indicates the year; the other letters and numbers indicate the day and month. Use a website such as Basic Antiques to check the meaning of each letter.

Check the color. One of the surest ways to tell a real antique vase from a forgery is to look at the color of the vase. The color of the earthenware indicates the area the clay came from. For example, white earthenware might indicate that the sculptor used white clay from Devon.

Examine the glazing. Sculptors used glaze to hold the earthenware vases together and to ensure that they were capable of holding water, but the glaze itself can also tell you its origin. Most Victorian earthenware used tin or lead glazes. These give the vase an opaque white look. They also chip very easily.

Look at the style of the vase. During the Victorian period, many earthenware vases featured knobs and decorations that resembled fruit and vegetables. These vases are frequently very ornate.

Visit an appraiser that specializes in Victorian antiques. Going to your local antique store may not be helpful, but if you have the money to visit a professional appraiser or consult an auction house, you will likely find people who specialize in Victorian earthenware. These people can tell you conclusively whether your piece is authentic or not.