The Vocabulary of Marks

This is a list of words and symbols that are often found in back-stamps. The dates given are guides, based on our observations of marks, or are the dates of events that created the terms or symbols. This is useful only to indicate the earliest date a term may appear; it does not tell how […]

Meissen Augustus Rex

Pottery & Porcelain: Meissen Augustus Rex Mark The Meissen Augustus Rex mark is the letter “R” wrapped around the letter “A”—both in a flowing, cursive style. This mark was copied by many factories and was registered as a trademark in 1873 after many years of use. The mark is still in use today.     […]

Sevres Porcelain Factory Marks

The Sevres Date Mark, is made from two lines that look like a cursive “L.” One is the mirror image of the other and they cross to form a triangular cartouche. A letter inside the lines dates the porcelain. It has been used by the Sevres factory in Sevres, France, since 1753. Each year from […]

Silver Identification Guide

The marks on the bottom of a piece of silver can be an indication of the age, maker, and origin of the piece. This mark is referred to as a “hallmark.” To find Kovels’ silver hallmarks’ database, go to “Look for your mark.” Other articles and marks can be found in” Silver and Other Metals identification guide and […]

English Registry Marks

The diamond-shaped English Registry mark, was used by the English patent office since 1842 to identify pieces of English pottery, porcelain, and other products. It is easy to tell when the ceramic was made. The mark has the Roman numerals “IV” at the top of the mark if it is for a ceramic. Between 1842 […]

Antique Pottery & Porcelain Marks Identification Guide

Every collector knows that the quickest way to identify a piece of pottery or porcelain is to identify the mark, but sometimes it’s unreliable because marks are often forged and changed. This is a listing of the better-known marks and backstamps and enough information so that you can learn more about your porcelains. Research and […]