Royal Doulton Antiques
Antiques & Collectibles
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EMERGENCY IDENTIFICATION KIT
Doulton Lambeth
&
Royal Doulton Backstamps & Marks
Identification by the use of Backstamps provides useful, if not important data to
the serious collector. The following Backstamps provide a useful resource when
identifying Royal Doulton items.
Further Documentation:
Doulton Lambeth Backstamps
1879 - 1902: Adapted from a similar Lambeth mark which incorporates
four interlocking "D's". Introduced c. 1882. After 1891, the word "England" was added
beneath. Continued until 1902.
Similar to above, introduced c.1882. After 1891 the word "England" was added
underneath, as in the above example. Discontinued in 1902.
1885 - 1902: Coronet added c. 1886 marking the appointment of Henry Doulton
as Potter to His Royal Highness King Edward VI. England dded beneath 1891. Used on more
expensive earthen wares and bone china. Variations do exist.
Royal Doulton Backstamps
In 1872, the "Royal Doulton" mark was used on all wares from the company. The
Royal Doulton mark has been used since 1902 and is still in production today.
In 1912-13, Charles Noke launched a new group of Royal Doulton figures. The first
figure was named "Darling", HN1, in honor of Queen Mary who visited the factory
and proclaimed "isn't he darling".
Beginning in 1913, a HN number was used on all wares. This HN number refers to
artist/designer Harry Nixon of Royal Doulton. Harry Nixon was an artist in charge
of painting the figures. Other artists included John Sparkes, George Tinsworth,
Arthur Barlow, and Agnete Hoy among others. The HN numbers were
chronological until 1940, after which time blocks of numbers were assigned to each
modeler of figures.
From 1928 to 1954, a small number was placed to the right of the crown's mark on
all items made between those years. This number (the one at the right of the crown's
mark) when added to the year 1927 will give the year of manufacture.
1928 - 1959 Used on fine bone china. Still in use today, except for tableware.
Marks are not of much use in dating, as careful use and record keeping was lacking.
1902-1956 
1922 - 1956
1882 - 1912 Devices incorporating the name of the pattern
"Rouen" - Crown used c. 1886
Used on "Kew" Pattern table ware
1895 - 1903 - 1915 Used on Holbein Wares.
Dating is not accurate.
1885 - 1939 The Slater - Doulton patent was used on Chine`
and Chine`-gilt wares. The process involved the use of Linen to impress clay
and decorate with glazes and gilt.
Many Series Ware patterns have their own special
back-stamps. Two typical designs are illustrated
A special mark used on "Morrisian" ware dedicated to the Morrisian
dancers.
A special mark used on early small Flambe` wares
1925 - 1940 Chang script mark. C.J. Noke's
signature and Harry Nixon's monogram.
Mark used on "Bunnykins" nursery ware
c. 1916 - 1933 "Titanian" wares for small items
c. 1930 - 1942 "Brangwyn" wares.
Chinese Jade script mark. C.J. Noke's signature
and Harry Nixon's monogram
1902 - 1956 
c.1960 - present
Note the differences between the two:
Left: The curved lines between "Royal Doulton" and "England"
are longer.
Right: The curved lines between "Royal Doulton" and "England"
are shorter.
Note: Dating of many items of Royal Doulton is not possible,
since the factory used no systematic marking system to indicate
the year of manufacture.
1902 and later ----"Royal Doulton"
1891 and later ---- "England"
1930 and later (some exceptions) -- "Made in England"
The "HN" system of numbering figurinese was devised by
Harry Nixon and still in use today.
Dating Figurines by Backstamps
The old rule of thumb in dating figurines is by adding 27 to the small and hardly
visable number to the right of the doulton backstamp in the photo below of the
figurine "Sweet Lavender". 27 + 10 = 37. The figurine was therefore produced in
1937
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