Often asked: How To Find What Markings Mean On Antiques?

How do I find my Makers Mark?

Maker’s marks are the initials or name of the manufacturing firm or other representative symbol stamped into a gold, silver or platinum item.

How do you find out what an antique object is?

How to Identify Antique Furniture

1. Examine all sides of the piece. If it’s a table, turn it over and look for marks or labels.
2. Check the surface of the piece. Do you see saw marks?
3. Look at the joinery. Are drawers dove-tailed?
4. Check the finish of the piece.

How do you read porcelain markings?

Of all Chinese porcelain marks, reign marks are generally the easiest markings to read as they follow a set format. On each six-character reign mark, the first two characters indicate the dynasty, the second two characters give the name of the Emperor, and the last two characters translate to “made for”.

How do I identify my pottery maker?

As well as letters many companies had a crest or symbol they used as a trade mark which was embossed, printed or painted on the bottom of the ware. Many potteries used letters and initials to identify their ware – this is an alphabetic listing of the initials used and the companies they correspond to.

Is there an app to identify antiques?

The antique identification and value app is a great electronic alternative to the basic professional appraisal form typically used by certified appraisers. All of the information in the Antique Appraisal Form Mobile App will be saved and easy to access at any time.

What are the most sought after antiques?

23 Types of Valuable Antiques to Look For

• Rare Coins.
• China Sets.
• Vintage Typewriters.
• Musical Instruments.
• Perfume Bottles.
• Fountain Pens.
• Antique Furniture. Antique furniture is another high-value item with many pieces ranging from $200 to $2000.
• Jewelry. Don’t forget to sort through old jewelry.

How can you tell if porcelain is unmarked?

Look at the bottom of your piece of pottery for a design that may indicate the pieces origin, even without the potter’s name or the factory name. Indentations in the bottom of the piece, allowing it to sit flat, may also be indicative of its origin.

How can I tell if my Chinese porcelain is antique?

To evaluate the age of Chinese porcelain, and thus the era it was manufactured within, the following must be assessed – in this order:

1. Shape of the item.
2. Colour palette.
3. Decorative style.
4. Base and foot of the item.
5. Glazed finish.
6. Clay.
7. Signs of ageing.
8. Any marks on the item.

What is a Nippon mark?

Nippon basically means “made in Japan.” When you see a “ Nippon ” mark on the underside of a base of a piece of ceramic, you know that you have a piece that was made in Japan. If it is marked “Japan”, then your piece was made and imported after 1921.

How can you tell if pottery is antique?

A few factors to look out for when figuring out how to identify antique pottery are the weight of the piece, its translucency or resonance. It’s easier to figure out the body if the piece is chipped – simply run your finger along the fracture to identify how hard the grain is.

How do you identify English pottery?

When identifying a piece of pottery that’s hallmark clearly uses England’s coat of arms, look for the escutcheon (shield over shield). This will help you date the piece, as to whether or not it was produced before 1837.

How do you identify a figurine?

How do you identify antique figurines? Identify antique porcelain figures by finding the maker’s mark. The mark is usually stamped on the bottom of a porcelain piece. The maker’s mark tells the collector what person or company produced the figure, which also gives insight into when, where and how it was made.