c. From 1898
Grueby pottery
FAIENCE CO. is the earlier lotus wording; it was still used after POTTERY appeared.
A closer look at the details
Antique marks: pottery, silver, jewelry and glass
Antique marks include factory names, assay devices and artist signatures on porcelain, sterling, costume jewelry and blown glass.
01 / UNDER THE LENSMeissen porcelain marks →
Common shapes in marks
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Browse makers →Friedman Silver CompanySilver · 5 marksGrueby potteryPottery & porcelain · 6 marksMeissenPottery & porcelain · 151 marksJ. Pouyat LimogesPottery & porcelain · 5 marksPfaltzgraffPottery & porcelain · 5 marksWilcox Silver PlateSilver · 5 marksTressemanes & VogtPottery & porcelain · 5 marksSatsumaPottery & porcelain · 7 marksVendomeJewelry & gold · 5 marksLiz ClaiborneJewelry & gold · 9 marks
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Stamps, symbols & small detailsGlass
Crystal vs glass
Crystal is a type of glass: traditional lead crystal contains lead oxide, while lead-free crystal uses a different composition. European lead-crystal categories start at 24% lead oxide, with full lead crystal at 30%; a maker’s product description identifies which material a particular piece uses.
Explore marks →Jewelry & gold585 gold (14K)
585 means 585 parts gold per thousand, or 58.5% gold: the millesimal standard used for 14-karat gold. It can appear on yellow, rose or white gold; GF, GP or HGE beside a karat number instead describes a gold layer over another material.
Explore marks →SilverSTG sterling silver
STG abbreviates sterling silver, the alloy containing at least 92.5% silver. STG SIL, STG SILVER, STER, STERLING and 925 describe that silver standard; EPNS instead identifies silver plating over nickel silver.
Explore marks →Jewelry & gold750 gold (18K)
750 is the gold fineness mark for 750 parts per thousand, or 75% gold, equivalent to 18K or 18CT. Yellow, rose and white gold can all carry it because the number measures gold content rather than colour.
Explore marks →GlassUranium glass identification
Uranium glass typically fluoresces a strong, bright green under ultraviolet light; examine the glass in a darkened setting and compare its colour in ordinary light. Manganese can give a weaker greenish-yellow response and lead an icy blue, so the colour of the glow matters.
Explore marks →GlassGlass pontil marks
A pontil mark is the scar left on a glass base when the holding rod, or punty, is detached after finishing the vessel. It can be rough, ring-shaped, iron-stained, ground or polished, depending on the attachment and finishing process.
Explore marks →Pottery & porcelain marks
Browse pottery & porcelain →Compare pottery and porcelain marks by maker, country and symbol.
From 1852
Jean Pouyat / La Céramique
The dividing line was introduced in 1852; the absence of FRANCE alone does not date a mark to before 1891.
Silver hallmarks
Browse silver →Read the words, numbers and symbols in a silver hallmark.
From 1921
Wilcox Silver Plate
Half-circle design introduced in 1921, registered 1923; INTERNATIONAL S. CO. distinguishes the parent-company phase.
Undated
Argentor-Werke Rust & Hetzel
The eagle replaces the triangle cluster; A.S. is separate from the name and emblem.
Jewelry marks & gold stamps
Browse jewelry & gold →Start with the stamp: a number, a few letters or a small symbol.
From 1955
Vendome
Capital-letter rectangular plaque on the filigree back; distinct from the mixed-case hook signature.
Glass marks
Browse glass →Compare glass makers’ marks, signatures and paper labels.
Maker marks on antiques, cast iron & tools
Browse other maker marks →Read maker names, logos and material marks on antique objects.
c. To 1903
Gustav Stickley / United Crafts
Red compass stands above an outlined rectangular signature panel.
Undated
The Stiffel Lamp Company
Rounded rectangular black border, Chicago street address and model fields. The visible 4 96 code belongs to this example.
Undated
Angel pewter marks
Broad wings, large separate crown and M beside the lower body. Two impressions on the handle are the same mark.