How To Indentify a Wedgwood Vase
The Josiah Wedgwood and Sons pottery firm, usually referred to simply as "Wedgwood," was founded in 1759 and is now merged with Waterford Crystal. Wedgwood is especially famous for two distinctive types of pottery: the blue-and-white Jasperware decorated with classical motifs; and the cream-colored Queen's Ware, named for Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III. Wedgwood pieces have been marked almost from the company's beginnings, so it is unlikely that you will have a piece of true Wedgwood that is unmarked. You will find exceptions, however, so don't lose hope that your vase is genuine.
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Instructions
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Turn over your vase and find the trademark. It may be stamped or printed, depending on the manufacture date.
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Make a rubbing with tracing paper and a pencil or crayon if you have trouble reading the trademark. Hold the paper tightly over the trademark and rub the flat side of the pencil lead or crayon over the trademark. Use light pressure at first, increasing only if you still have trouble seeing the mark. If you have a digital camera, take a photo and use the camera software on your computer to increase contrast enough to read the trademark.
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Check the spelling of the trademark. Real Wedgwood is spelled without a second "e" in the name. If the mark reads "Wedgewood," your vase is not a true Wedgwood piece.
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Compare your trademark to the marks listed on the official Wedgwood site. This tells you the date your vase was manufactured.
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Check the vases shown in the online collection of the Wedgwood Museum site to look for a similar-style vase. This can help you identify the style name and manufacture date of your vase.
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Contact the Wedgwood company if you are still stumped. According to their website, if you send a photo, full details and rubbings of all marks on your vase to the Wedgwood Museum, they will do their best to provide you with complete information about your vase.
The Wedgwood Museum
Josiah Wedgwood & Sons Ltd.
Barlaston, Stoke-on-Trent
Staffordshire
ST12 9ES
England
wedgwood.com/GB/About_Wedgwood/_Information/Identify_Wedgwood
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Tips & Warnings
E-Bay notes that another company, Enoch Wedgewood of Tunstall, which makes ceramic wares for Avon, often marks their pieces "Wedgewood & Co." Note that they spell their name with a second "e." Their logo often includes a unicorn, which true Wedgwood never does.
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