#backstamps

Family Drama: The Havilands of America, France and Germany

In the 1800’s there was an American family named the Havilands who owned a china shop in New York City. The family was made up of four brothers David, Edmond, Daniel, and Robert all who participated in the dishware business in one way or another whether it was through trading, importing, exporting or physical operation of the William Street storefront. A 19th-century view of William Street where…

FACTORY SECONDS

Whenever a product was too good to discard but not good enough to meet the factory's first quality standard, the backstamp was scratched or marked and then either given to staff or sold in staff or retail stores at a discounted price, usually 50% or even more.

The method of marking the underside to indicate a second was varied. It would have depended on what stage the flaw was discovered. The backstamp transfer could be partially cut or pinholed. Common flaws of seconds were; mis-alignment of graphic transfer, size variation, glazing or gilding flaw, a minor impurity or firing pitting, colour variation etc. Please note that gilders often put a test mark on the back/bottom....it does not indicate a flaw, it was simply used to test the gilding or sometimes to identify the production team.

Do not believe a claim that a second quality is as good as a first quality, the seller is just admitting that they cannot see the flaw. The item became a second for a specific reason. It may have been minor but it was enough for the manufacturer not to risk their reputation. You would be surprised just how many seconds were manufactured of this pattern.

Don't be afraid to ask questions such as... Can you explain in more detail why you have described this item as mint condition and what is your return policy if we do not agree with your claim?

Is this an actual photo of the item and it's backstamp?

Notice how the rose has been defaced.

Moonlight Rose Copyright is 1987

In this Backstamp it was Mis-Printed 1962

Royal Doulton Group was "demerged" from the Pearson Group of companies in 1993, and subsequently listed on the Stock Exchange (NB: Doulton was only earning a 5% return, whereas other companies in the Pearson Group were earning 10%). Looking back this was the "beginning of the end" for Royal Albert, Beswick and may indeed be for Royal Doulton itself. 20th December 2002, Royal Doulton ceased Royal Albert production in England and moved manufacture to "their state-of-the-art factory" in Asia. Backstamps from patterns not "Made in England" do not have the word "England" on it.

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