DATING DOULTON BURSLEM

By 1877 Henry Doulton had established the name of the Doulton Lambeth art wares and set up factories making sanitary, industrial and architectural products in Rowley Regis, St. Helens and Smethwick. He decided to accept an invitation to invest money in Pinder, Bourne & Co., Burslem, a medium-quality earthenware factory. Within ten years he had enlarged the factory three times, built a china works, taken on the largest and most gifted group of artists in the Potteries, and developed for Doulton a reputation for craftsmanship and artistry still identified with Royal Doulton today.

There follows a selection of the backstamps most commonly used on Doulton Burslem wares, and some further hints on dating. The information is taken by permission from "The Doulton Burslem Wares" by Desmond Eyles, a compulsory work of reference for any collector of Doulton wares (see back page).

The reference numbers for the Doulton Burslem marks have been prefixed by the letter 'B' to distinguish them from those also numbered 1 and up in the list of Lambeth marks given in The Doulton Lambeth Wares.

Between 1878 (when Henry and James Doulton acquired the major interest in the Pinder, Bourne factory in Nile Street, Burslem) and 1882 (when the name of the firm was changed to Doulton & Company, Burslem) existing Pinder, Bourne marks continued in use, such as the name in full: PINDER BOURNE CO.: and the initials P.B. & CO. or P.B.

B.1		Other devices occur incorporating the name of the pattern. Several of these were adopted after 1882 by Doulton and remained in use for about twenty years. The following are two typical examples found on the patterns Rouen and Kew. Various other pattern names will be found. (The coronet on B.1 was added c. 1886).
B.2
B.3		This mark, adapted from a similar Lambeth mark incorporating a device of four interlocking D's was introduced c. 1882 (not 1879 as was once thought). After 1891 the word ENGLAND was added underneath. The mark continued in use until 1902.
B.4		The coronet was probably added to the earlier mark c. 1886 to mark the appointment of Henry Doulton as 'Potter to H.R.H. The Prince of Wales' (later King Edward VI 1), ENGLAND was added underneath after 1891. This mark continued in use until 1902. It appears to have been used instead of B.3 especially on bone china products and on the more expensive earthen wares. A simplified version showing only the coronet on a flat base and the word DOULTON was also used.
B.5		An adaptation of B.4 used on the Holbein Wares mainly between 1895 and 1903. Occasionally found also between 1903 and 1915 along with B.7 but the later Holbein Wares were not always specifically marked. The printed or impressed word HOLBEIN is also found on some examples of this particular ware.
B.6		Several variants of this mark (with or without the words CHINE WARE) are found on Chiné and Chiné-gilt Wares together with marks B.3, BA or B.7 for relevant periods between 1885 and 1939.
B.7		Introduced in the latter part of 1901 to mark the grant of the Royal Warrant by King Edward VII together with the specific right to use the word ROYAL to designate Doulton products. This mark was in general use at Burslem between 1902 and 1922. On smaller wares, only the bottom half of this mark (i.e. omitting the lion and crown) is found. Although B.8 was generally used between 1923 and 1927 B.7 is occasionally found on wares made during these years.
B.8		This mark which differs from B.7 by the omission of the crown was in use between 1923 and 1927. The reason for the variation is not known. The bottom part only of this mark is found on smaller wares up to the present day and by itself is not a useful indication of date.
B.9		Differing from B.7 by the addition of the words MADE IN ENGLAND, this mark was commonly in use after 1932. However, the exact date of introduction is not known. Many dated examples between 1928 and 1931 exist, and occasional examples dated between 1923 and 1927 have also been noted although B.8 was more generally used in those years (with the words MADE IN ENGLAND at the bottom of the mark in place of the single word ENGLAND). This mark is still used on fine earthenware products such as Character Jugs.
B.10		This is the same as 13.9 except for the addition of the words BONE CHINA. It was in use for all Fine Bone China products between 1928 and 1959 and is still used today on figures, animal models and other non-tableware Bone China products.
B.11		Introduced in 1959 to replace B.10 for use on Fine Bone China Tableware. Still in use today.
B.12		Introduced in 1960 for the then newly launched English Transluccent China Tableware. In use until 1973-4 when the name was changed to Fine English China and the new trade-mark B.13 was introduced.
B.13		Introduced during the period 1973-74 for the newly named Fine English China and still in use today. Various special marks will be found on figures, Character Jugs, animal models, Series Wares, Titanian, Morrisian, Flamb? Sung and Chang Wares, etc. These, by themselves, are not of much help for the purpose of dating but fortunately they are usually in addition to the standard trade-mark in use at the time, e.g. B.7 to B.10. A Flamb?piece with B.7 for example, will have been made before 1927 and probably before 1922. Pattern numbers, Registration numbers and artists' signatures can also help to indicate the period of production. A few examples of special marks are given below:
B.14		A special mark often found in conjunction with B.7 on Morrisian Wares, 1901-1924.
B.15		A special mark found on Titanian Wares, especially small items 1916-c. 1933. On larger pieces B.7 to B.9 are found with the word TITANIAN printed underneath.
B.16		This mark, either by itself, or together with B.9, appears on Brangwyn Wares made between 1930 and c. 1942.
B.17		This mark appears on early Flamb?Wares especially small pieces. Several variations of the standard trademark are found with the word FLAMBE printed underneath.
B.18		Sung script mark used in conjunction with Flamb?trademark c. 1920-c. 1940. Also in this example are C. J. Noke's signature and Fred Moore's monogram.
B.19		Chang script mark used in conjunction with standard, trademark 1925-c. 1940. Also in this example are C. J. Noke's signature and Harry Nixon's monogram.
B.20		Chinese Jade script mark uses in conjunction with standard trademark 1920-c. 1940. Also in this example are C. J. Noke's signature and Harry Nixon's monogram.
B.21		Many Series Ware patterns also have their own special back-stamps. Two typical designs are illustrated: Under the Greenwood Tree   The Gallant Fishers
B.22
B.23		There are numerous special marks referring to glaze effects, specific patterns and commissioned pieces. This mark is found on a simulated Chinese glaze effect bowl. Also marked with impressed word DOULTON.
B.24		This mark is found on biscuit barrels produced for McVitie and Price.
B.25		This mark was used on a loving cup made for Courage & Co. to celebrate Queen Elizabeth 11 Coronation, 1953.
B.26		This mark is used on Bunnykins nursery ware.
Some marks found on Doulton figures:
B.27		B.28	B.29	B.30
Some of the marks found on Doulton Character jugs:
B.32		B.32	B.33	B.34
Detailed descriptions of figures, Character Jugs and Toby Jugs, with dates of introduction and (where applicable) of withdrawal, will be found in the publications Royal Doulton Figures and Royal Doulton Character and Toby Jugs (see back page).

Pattern and code numbers

The following numbers indicate the approximate periods during which the patterns so marked were first introduced. It must be kept in mind that some patterns remained in production and usually kept the same number for many years. The trade-marks were, however, changed several times between the 1880s and now, and these can help to establish the period of production.

There was sometimes an overlap in numbering between the end of one year and the beginning of another, so that some of the dates of introduction given below may be a year out. Because of missing records it has not always been possible to give the numbers year by year.

Many pieces fortunately carry in addition to trade-mark and pattern number an impressed or printed indication of when they were made. The impressed date may give the year only, e.g. 1900; the month and year, e.g. 12-06 for December 1906; or, occasionally, the full date, e.g. 10-6-09 for 10th June 1909. The impressed dates are not always easy to see and may be overlooked if one is not careful.

The printed dates are usually indicated by Code Numbers beginning with 1 for 1928 and up to 30 for 1957. A simple way of calculating the date is to add the number in question to 1927. Thus 14 indicates the year 1941 and 23 indicates 1950. On some patterns, particularly on china, the date has been written in special ink.

V-NUMBERS (CHINA)
The V-numbers were almost always used after 1927 for patterns on an ivory tinted china body. Before 1927 some H-numbers were also used for this body.

RA-NUMBERS

Hand-painted, and largely hand-painted, wares designed and decorated by Robert Allen and artists in his studios, were often given RA-numbers, written by hand, in addition to the usual trade-mark and any other number. Unfortunately many of the record books giving details are missing, but despite this what is available is interesting as giving some idea when pieces so numbered were designed. These hand-painted wares were not reproduced in great quantities and some items bearing RA-numbers would probably never have been repeated.

The dates below are when the books containing the designs recorded in each were purchased. They give a fairly close idea of the dates of the designs. It will be noted that in the book numbered 26, the pattern numbers begin again with RA-1. By this time, of course, the lion and crown badge was in use so there need be no confusion. The RA-numbering was continued for several years after Allen had retired.

Royal Doulton
GALLERY

167 Picadilly, London, W1 V 9DE
Telephone (071) 491 2717

A varied programme of exhibitions of interest to the Royal Doulton enthusiast.

Artistry in Action

Take a trip around the Royal Doulton Pottery in Burslem and see artistry in action. During more than a century and a half Royal Doulton have gained a unique reputation for ceramic work of art. Each new generation of potters and ceramic artists strives to improve on its predecessors' work. Our world famous figures, ornaments and fine china take shape before your eyes as you are guided through every facet of our centuries old creative art.

Write or telephone for full details:

Mrs Sandra Baddeley
Tours Organiser
Doulton Fine China
Nile Street, Burselm
Stoke-on-Trent ST6 2AJ

Telephone: (0782) 575454

The Sir Henry Doulton Gallery

This unique gallery, at the Doulton Fine China Nile Street Pottery, Burslem, traces the story of Doulton from its foundation in 1815 and includes the world famous collection of several hundred rare figures. The gallery is named after Sir Henry Doulton, son of the founder of the company, who was the first potter ever to be knighted for services to ceramic art.

Open weekdays, 9.00-4.15. Closed factory holidays. (no appointment necessary) Telephone (0782) 575454

A body of collectors has grown up interested in all branches of Doulton's varied output and today an International Collectors Club exists to cater for this interest- full details can be found below.

The Royal Doulton International Collectors' Club

The Royal Doulton International Collectors' Club is a flourishing organisation devoted to meeting the needs and special interests Royal Doulton enthusiasts.

Why don't you take advantage of the many benefits?

How the club can help you
You have the opportunity to add to your collection with specially commissioned items. Exclusive to members, on a limited basis, they bear the unique backstamp of the Club.

Members are kept up to date on collecting matters by mailings. Four times a year you will receive the well illustrated Club magazine, full of articles and news concerning Royal Doulton wares past and present. One of the jobs of the Club is to help you identify and date unusual items and find out other relevant information by referring to the Royal Doulton archives.

The club regularly announces where Royal Doulton artists and designers are holding demonstrations. If visiting the Potteries, Club members are invited to tour the Royal Doulton studios free.

To take advantage of all the benefits of membership write for an application form to Royal Doulton International Collectors' Club at U.K. Branch, Minton House, London Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 7QD, Telephone (0782) 744766 or to the appropriate address shown below.

THE ROYAL DOULTON COLLECTORS' LIBRARY

To satisfy an overwhelming demand from the world's museums, libraries and collectors, these handsome and authoritative reference books have been published with the full co-operation of Royal Doulton.

Each one is written by an acknowledged expert, copiously illustrated, and will remain the definitive work on specialist aspects of Royal Doulton artistry for many years.