A guide to collecting Royal Crown Derby paperweights

Beautiful, quirky and very English, these small porcelain figures are a popular collectable across the UK and beyond. They are a modern collectable classic that appeals to ceramics lovers and serious collectors. Understanding quality, rarity and condition will help you build a meaningful and valuable collection of paperweights.

Why are Royal Crown Derby paperweights are in high demand?

Royal Crown Derby paperweights are in high demand thanks to their long heritage, fine quality, and strong collectable appeal. Although Royal Crown Derby dates back to the mid 18th century, the first official range of bone china paperweights was launched in 1981 at Chatsworth House. These early designs, often modelled as animals and finished in classic Imari colours with gilt detailing, quickly captured the attention of collectors.

Since then, hundreds of designs have been produced, including familiar British wildlife alongside exotic and mythical creatures. Many patterns and models have since been retired, creating scarcity and driving demand, particularly for early or discontinued pieces.

While Royal Crown Derby has a strong following among ceramics collectors, its paperweights often attract buyers beyond the traditional ceramics market. Royal themed releases, anniversary editions, and animal studies appeal to royal memorabilia collectors and fine art buyers as well as porcelain specialists, which helps drive competition and push prices higher when rare examples come to market.

Below are two examples. The Royal Crown Derby Giant Panda paperweight and the Royal Crown Derby Anniversary Robin paperweight figure, both featuring a gold stopper.

Understanding quality and marks

Collectors often begin by learning how Royal Crown Derby signals quality. The factory used a very clear system with stoppers and marks that still helps buyers today.

Quality indicators

• Gold stopper: signifies first-quality paperweights. These are generally the most desirable and command higher prices.
• Silver stopper: indicates second quality. In many examples, the flaw behind this grading is very minor and almost imperceptible, making silver stoppered examples good value for money on the second-hand market.
• Pinprick or scored mark: a small scratch through the maker’s mark on the base traditionally indicates a second-quality item in some ranges.
• Box and certificate: original packaging and paperwork add confidence and significantly increase appeal.

Some early paperweights and certain special editions were made without stoppers. A missing stopper does not always mean a poor-quality item, but it does require research before you decide on value or quality.

Want to know what a gold stopper piece like the Royal Crown Derby Anniversary Robin Paperweight looks like? Below is an example.

Rarity and special editions

Rarity is a key factor when collecting Royal Crown Derby paperweights. Some ways rarity shows up include:

• Retailer exclusives: certain designs were issued exclusively through retailers or the Royal Crown Derby Collectors Guild. These often feature special backstamps or certificates and can be more difficult to find.
• Artist-signed pieces: signed or artist edition paperweights add a layer of provenance and interest.
• Popular models: specific figures such as ducks, hedgehogs or other appealing animals can be especially sought after. Imari pattern variants further enhance appeal on the second-hand market.
• Withdrawn designs: discontinued models that are no longer in production are usually more difficult to find and can attract strong competitive bidding at auction.
• Limited editions: Items produced in small, numbered runs for anniversaries or special releases often attract stronger collector interest. Alongside the Royal Crown Derby Prince of Wales Golden Jubilee Limited Edition Paperweight, another sought-after example is the Royal Crown Derby Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Limited Edition Paperweight. Issued to mark a historic royal milestone, this piece was produced in limited numbers, features a gold stopper, and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. 

You can see an example of a limited edition Royal Crown Derby gold stopper paperweight, complete with its certificate of authenticity, below:

Condition and value

Even small chips, damage to the stopper or worn gilding can affect value. Paperweights in mint condition with original box and certificate are always the most desirable.

A few points to help when inspecting pieces:

• Surface and paint: look closely for any nicks or wear to the glaze and hand-painted decoration.
• Stopper fit and appearance: ensure any stopper fits well and is the correct colour for quality grading.
• Box and certificate: original packaging not only confirms authenticity but also suggests careful ownership over the years.

How to start your collection

1. Learn from a guidebook
   A good reference book, such as Royal Crown Derby Paperweights: A Collector’s Guide by Ian Cox, will give you context on models, design dates and value indicators that make hunting paperweights more informed and enjoyable.
2. Study marks and quality
   Familiarise yourself with the Royal Crown Derby mark and stopper colours. Knowing the difference between first quality and second quality at a glance will help you make confident choices when browsing online or at auction.
3. Set collecting goals
   Decide if you want to build a collection around a theme such as animals, Imari patterns or limited editions. Some collectors focus on specific series or the most artistic figures.
4. Explore the market
   Auctions, reputable dealers and online platforms are great places to find pieces. Silver stoppered items or those without boxes can often be excellent value and perfect for a starter collection.
5. Join the community
   Consider engaging with other collectors online or through forums to share tips and learn about rare finds.

We are always looking to add new items Royal Crown Derby to our exclusive stock. If you have a piece or a Royal Crown Derby collection for sale contact us. Alternatively, if you're looking to buy Royal Crown Derby pieces, start your collection here.