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Sellers' guide to Royal porcelain: How to spot Doulton, Worcester and Derby
Porcelain has long been associated with prestige and British tradition, with the word Royal often highlighting that connection. But what exactly is Royal porcelain, and why are there so many names like Royal Doulton, Royal Worcester and Royal Crown Derby?
The term “Royal” doesn’t belong to one maker. It’s an honour given to different porcelain houses that earned a Royal Warrant after supplying or being recognised by the British Royal Family. Each company developed its own distinct style, materials and maker’s marks over time.
Today, these names remain highly collectable on the second-hand market. Knowing how to tell them apart helps sellers identify their pieces and understand their true worth.
Royal Doulton
Royal Doulton is one of the most recognised names in British ceramics. Originally founded as Doulton & Co, the brand gained its royal warrant in 1901. The mark most often shows a lion and crown above an interlocking “D”. From around 1928, Doulton began adding small date numbers beside the backstamp to indicate the production year, while many figurines also include an HN number, referring to their model design. Always check that the mark is crisp, well-glazed, and not simply painted on top.
Royal Worcester
Royal Worcester’s signature mark includes a crown with “51” in the centre, celebrating the year the company was founded, 1751. After 1867, Worcester began using letter codes to indicate the year of manufacture. Older pieces may just say “Worcester” without the “Royal” prefix. The marks vary in colour and may be impressed, printed, or painted beneath the glaze.
Royal Lancastrian
Pilkington’s Royal Lancastrian pottery is easily recognised for its decorative lustre glazes and high artistic quality. Look for the impressed “Lancastrian” or “Royal Lancastrian” name on the base, often with shape numbers or the artist’s initials. The shimmering copper tones and soft opalescent glazes are a part of what makes these pieces so collectable.
Royal Crown Derby
Crown Derby, later known as Royal Crown Derby, is another iconic British name. Its pieces typically feature a crown above crossed swords and the letter “D”. The colour of the mark can help determine the period, with variations in blue, puce, or red. Some early Derby pieces show simpler crown or “D” marks, so comparing design details can help confirm authenticity.
Royal Copenhagen
From Denmark, Royal Copenhagen is famed for its elegant designs. The easiest way to identify it is through the three wavy lines, representing Denmark’s three waterways. This symbol usually appears beneath a royal crown and sometimes includes the painter’s signature or initials. Slight inconsistencies in brushwork or finish often indicate genuine hand-painted quality rather than a reproduction.
Royal Dux
Royal Dux porcelain, made in the Czech Republic. The name “Royal Dux” is commonly found in the mark, often alongside a crown or pink triangle impressed into the base. Many pieces also bear model or mould numbers. Dux’s distinct style and high-quality modelling make it popular with collectors today.
How to tell Royal Porcelain apart
Each porcelain house has its own trademark details that help with identification. Royal Doulton pieces usually feature a lion and crown above the letter D, sometimes with an HN number beneath. Royal Worcester can be recognised by its crown and the number “51” in the centre, often paired with a date letter. Lancastrian stands out for its lustrous glazes and impressed “Lancastrian” or artist’s initials under the base. Crown Derby typically shows a crown over crossed swords and a “D”, while Royal Copenhagen carries the three wavy lines and a small painter’s signature nearby. Finally, Dux pieces are marked “Royal Dux” and known for their sculptural quality and intricate modelling. Checking these small but distinctive features can quickly reveal who made your piece, and its potential value.
If you have Royal porcelain pieces that you’d like us to identify or sell, please get in touch.
Do you want to find out more about Royal porcelain? Check out our related blogs for tips, guides and insights into identifying and valuing your pieces.
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