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STOP PRESS

We have now added a new FORUM to potteryfigurines.co.uk for specialist collectors of Beswick pottery and figurines. Please visit the forum, sign up, and get the discussion going!

The forum can be used to exchange views, ask for advice or just to tell us about your collection.

Please also feel free to use the comment section below or, if you prefer, just email us for advice.

A Guide to Beswick ‘Stamps’ or Porcelain Marks

Collectors of pottery figurines will be familiar with the huge range of marks used by manufacturers to identify their work. Sometimes referred to as ‘stamps’ or ‘backstamps’, these marks are generally found on the base of the piece and will invariably include the name of the manufacturer.

It will come as no surprise to learn that John Beswick adopted this practice at the Beswick pottery and the variety of marks or stamps that can be found on Beswick pieces give an invaluable insight into both the provenance and value of the piece itself.

One very important question that often arises with Beswick pottery is whether the absence of a mark or stamp on the base is indicative of it not being a genuine piece. The short answer to this is that it is not. Oddly enough, there are a significant number of Beswick pieces in circulation that do not have a mark at all. The Beswick Pottery was well known for unfinished pieces, particularly on a Friday afternoon!

The marks themselves take a variety of forms and there are a number of specialist guides available for the serious collector. Millers Pottery and Porcelain Marks is highly recommended, as is Geoffrey A. Codden's New Handbook of British Pottery and Porcelain Marks.

The earlier Beswick backstamps, dating from just after the Great War, take the form of a simple circular or oval shape created by the words ‘Beswick England’. Appearing in green, this will be a tell tale sign of one of the early pieces. By 1936 the mark had changed into ‘Beswick Ware Made in England’ appearing in beautiful flowing handwriting and the circular or oval shape had disappeared altogether. In each case the mark or stamp appeared in the centre of the base of the piece.

1954 saw the introduction of an impressed mark and the inclusion of the serial number of the individual piece. The words ‘BESWICK ENGLAND’ appear in block capitals, this time in a semi-circle around the inside of the edge of the base of the piece and set below that will be the serial number.

In the late 1960’s the Beswick factory began producing the first of a series of special figurine collections, the most famous of which is, of course, the Beatrix Potter collection. This required the giving of much greater information in the backstamp so, for example, you will see ‘© WALT DISNEY PROD BESWICK ENGLAND’ on the base of the Winnie the Pooh series, which was produced from 1968 to 1990. Another good example would be the Alice in Wonderland series produced from 1973 to 1983 where the stamp would include the words ‘ALICE SERIES “Queen of Hearts” BESWICK Made in England’ followed by a Royal Doulton copyright notice. Early Beatrix Potter figurine stamps are similar and include the F Warne & Co Ltd copyright notice. Some but not all will be dated too.

Latterly, Beswick, then owned by Royal Doulton, introduced a gold script mark for limited editions and reverted to ‘Beswick Ware’ in the backstamp on some variations.

We would always recommend that the serious collector keep handy a guide to Beswick stamps or marks and we will shortly be adding listings of books of interest. In the meantime, if you have a question, please email us or use the comment section below. Alternatively, please try our new forum! © potteryfigurines.co.uk 2009

About Beswick Pottery

Beswick pottery figurines are some of the most highly sought after decorative ceramics in the world. Famous for its precision moulding, the Beswick pottery was equally renowned for the way in which each piece was meticulously painted by hand, giving unrivalled quality and detail. It is easy to see, therefore, why Beswick has become so highly collectible.

The Beswick pottery was opened in 1894 by James Wright Beswick and quickly established an outstanding reputation for quality dinnerware and highly detailed ornamental pieces. Animals provided the main theme for the early figurines and these remain some of the most highly prized pieces today. Beswick horses and foals, particularly shire horses, are simply exquisite but equally collectible are Beswick dogs, cats, birds and also Beswick wall plaques.

The Beswick pottery remained a family run business until 1969 when it was sold to Royal Doulton. Sadly, as is often the case, this resulted in cost cutting and a number of pieces were discontinued. New moulds were also introduced that were substantially less detailed. Nevertheless, the Beswick pottery continued to produce Beswick figurines until the factory finally closed in 2002.

Beswick pottery figurines will also forever be associated with the famous author, Beatrix Potter, who wrote some of the most enduring and beautifully illustrated childrens’ books that remain ever popular today. The idea was the brainchild of Lucy Beswick who, in 1947, proposed bringing to life the Beatrix Potter characters and Beswick Beatrix Potter is now highly collectible. Characters such as Benjamin Bunny, Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddleduck remain firm favourites!

Finally, from the Pottery Gazette 1961; “No potter formed in the last century is more likely to be of future interest to collectors…than the house of Beswick.”

…and it is easy to see why!

Buying Guidance

Collecting Beswick pottery figurines can be a rewarding experience. Do be on your guard though, there are plenty of fakes for sale on the internet and you would be well advised to check the authenticity of a particular figurine before spending your hard earned cash on your purchase.

If you are in any doubt your first step ought to be to clarify the matter with the seller. Email him or her and ask about the provenance of the piece and for details of the stamp on the base of the figurine so that you can do some research before buying. Note also that some pieces come with a Certificate of Authenticity. If in doubt, ask the seller.

When looking at rarer pieces, do be aware that there are a number of bulletin boards on the internet where members will happily share their extensive knowledge with you. Don't be afraid to ask and, if you can, post a photograph of the figurine or wall plaque you are considering buying. In the first instance, try the Beswick section of the Bulletin Board at worldcollectorsnet.com.

Alternatively, please feel free to email us!

A good source of Beswick figurines is often car boot sales, where you may well come across a rarer piece unidentified by the seller. Trade and antique fairs offer some real bargains too. Then, of course, there is the internet!

STOP PRESS!! Update

Royal Doulton, the firm that took over the manufacture of Beswick figurines until the Beswick factory finally closed in 2002, has been placed into administration. Royal Doulton is owned by Waterford Wedgwood and is one of a number of companies in the group that has sought protection from creditors. Sad news but let's hope that the brands survive under new ownership.

BEATRIX POTTER BESWICK VINTAGE 42 FIGURINE COLLECTION + BOOK SET PRISTINE COND.    $8,000.00

BESWICK HORSE ULTRA RARE IRON GREY SHIRE 818 MINT!!! MADE 1952    $4,420.87

RARE BESWICK HUNTSMAN ON RARE CHESTNUT HORSE 1501 !!!    $3,159.82

Beatrix Potter Duchess With Flowers BP2a Beswick Gold Oval flagship offering    $2,766.23

BESWICK HORSE ULTRA RARE CHESTNUT HUNTSMAN 1501 MADE 1965!    $2,456.04

Rare Beswick Silver Dunn Galloway Bull 1746C !!!    $2,047.01

Beswick " Huntsman on grey - Standing (Style 2) " Model No.1501    $1,256.66

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