How To Identify Antique Blue Willow China #bluewillow
TLDRIn this video from Vintage Farmhouse Antiques, viewers will learn techniques and tricks for identifying and dating Blue Willow china. The host examines three similar-looking antique platters, highlighting subtle differences in design, shape, and markings to determine their origins and value. Key methods include inspecting China marks, glaze color, and pattern details. Viewers will also see how to use AI tools like Google Lens for identification. The video concludes with the valuation of each platter, revealing their historical and monetary worth.
Takeaways
- 🔍 **Identifying Antique Blue Willow China**: The video discusses techniques to identify the age, production range, and even the factory of Blue Willow pattern china.
- 🔎 **Subtle Design Differences**: Although the platters look similar, subtle differences in design, shape, and elements can help in identification.
- 🏺 **Backside Inspection**: Checking the reverse side of the china for marks, such as wire racks and repair signs, can provide clues about its age and origin.
- 📍 **China Marks**: Stamp marks on china are crucial for identifying the manufacturer and production period, with some marks being used for specific durations.
- 🔬 **Detailed Mark Analysis**: Using tools like Google Lens can help in identifying and matching china marks, especially when they include initials or coded shapes.
- 🌐 **Glaze and Color Clues**: The color and texture of the glaze, such as whitish or bluish discoloration, can indicate the production period and region.
- 🔱 **Weight and Wear**: The weight of the china and signs of wear, especially on the base plates, can suggest its age and authenticity.
- 🎨 **Pattern Variations**: Close examination of the Blue Willow pattern, including elements like birds, trees, and temple blocks, can reveal differences in manufacturing.
- 🔍 **AI Assistance**: AI tools like Google Lens can be used to match pattern elements and find similar pieces online, aiding in identification.
- 💰 **Value Determination**: The value of antique china depends on factors like rarity, condition, and the presence of original wire racks, with marked pieces often being more valuable.
Q & A
What is the main topic of the video from Vintage Farmhouse Antiques?
-The main topic of the video is identifying and appraising antique Blue Willow China, including determining the date, production range, and manufacturer.
What are the three platters shown in the video and how do they appear at first glance?
-The three platters shown in the video are all Blue Willow pattern china, and they appear very similar at first glance.
What is one of the first steps in assessing a piece of china like the ones shown in the video?
-One of the first steps in assessing a piece of china is to turn it over and look for china marks, stamp marks, or any other identifying marks on the reverse.
What is the significance of the stamp mark found on the second platter?
-The stamp mark on the second platter is significant because it can be used to identify the manufacturer and the time period during which the mark was used, which helps in dating the piece.
How can the color and condition of the glaze on a piece of china provide clues about its production?
-The color and condition of the glaze can indicate the period of production and the production facility. For example, a bluish discoloration or the presence of grit and soot in the glaze can be indicative of certain manufacturing processes or time periods.
What is an 'impressed Crown mark' and why is it important for identifying a piece of china?
-An 'impressed Crown mark' is a type of mark found on china, often used to indicate the manufacturer or the period of production. It is important for identifying a piece of china because it can provide clues about the origin and age of the piece.
How can the design elements within the Blue Willow pattern be used to identify the manufacturer and date of a piece of china?
-The design elements within the Blue Willow pattern, such as the shape of the birds, the details of the trees and temples, and the pattern of the islands, can vary between manufacturers and over time. By comparing these elements with known examples, one can identify the manufacturer and approximate date of production.
What is the value range for the Alin Staffordshire Blue Willow platter mentioned in the video?
-The value range for the Alin Staffordshire Blue Willow platter is between £100 and £150.
What is special about the Samuel Baker and Sons china mark and its significance in dating the china?
-The Samuel Baker and Sons china mark is special because it was used between 1839 and 1848, making it a key identifier for dating china from the Dawn Pottery in Yorkshire.
How can the weight of a piece of china provide information about its production?
-The weight of a piece of china can indicate the type of materials used and the production techniques, which can be characteristic of certain manufacturers or time periods. For example, a heavy piece of Ironstone may suggest Newcastle production during the mid-Victorian period.
What is the estimated value of the Samuel Baker china platter in today's market according to the video?
-The estimated value of the Samuel Baker china platter in today's market is between £350 and £450.
What is the estimated value of the Thomas Fell Newcastle Blue Willow platter in today's market according to the video?
-The estimated value of the Thomas Fell Newcastle Blue Willow platter in today's market is between £400 and £650.
Outlines
🖼️ Identifying Blue Willow Patterns
This paragraph introduces the video, explaining its focus on techniques and tricks used by antique appraisers to identify the date, production range, and production facility of Blue Willow pattern china. The video will analyze three platters that look similar at first glance but have subtle differences in design, shapes, and elements. Viewers will learn how to determine the value and date range of unmarked china pieces.
🔍 Assessing Platter Number One
The first step in assessing a piece of ironstone is to check the reverse side for any marks. Platter number one has three old wire racks, indicating its age. There's a partially impressed crown mark and the number 11, which suggests it was part of a graduated set. The paragraph explains the importance of these marks in identifying the production details and encourages viewers to look closely for subtle markings.
📜 Investigating Platter Number Two
Platter number two has a clear China stamp with 'SB&S,' a mark used by Samuel Baker and Sons between 1839 and 1848. The paragraph highlights the importance of these marks and how they can be used with tools like Google Lens to identify the manufacturer. It also mentions an impress mark, which, though not recognized as a date mark, can still provide clues about the platter's origins.
🔍 Examining Platter Number Three
Platter number three, in an antique wire rack, lacks any clear marks. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of carefully inspecting the glaze and inclusions to determine the production period. It compares the characteristics of the three platters, noting differences in glaze color and wear patterns, which are indicators of age and production methods.
🔍 Detailed Analysis of Platter Patterns
This section discusses the variations in the Blue Willow pattern across the three platters. It compares specific design elements like the birds, trees, temples, and island details, highlighting the distinct differences in each platter. The paragraph explains how these differences can be used to identify the manufacturer and production period, even without clear marks.
📜 Using Technology for Identification
The paragraph advises using Google Lens to match design elements and identify unmarked pieces. It provides examples of how to use specific pattern elements, like the shape of birds and the temple design, to find similar listings online. It also cautions to compare platters of similar size and shape for accurate identification, as designs can vary within a production facility.
🏷️ Revealing the Value of the Platters
The final section reveals the market value of the three platters. The Staffordshire platter, identified as the least valuable, is worth between £100 and £150. The Samuel Baker piece, rare and in good condition, is valued between £350 and £450. The most valuable is the Thomas Fell Newcastle piece, worth between £400 and £650. The paragraph concludes by emphasizing the importance of detailed analysis in identifying and valuing antique china.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Blue Willow pattern
💡Ironstone
💡China marks
💡Google Lens
💡Samuel Baker and Sons
💡Thomas Fell
💡Wear and inclusions
💡Transfer prints
💡Wire racks
💡Value estimation
Highlights
Techniques and tricks used by antiqu appraisers and dealers to identify Blue Willow pattern date and production facility.
Subtle differences in design, shapes, and elements of Blue Willow transfer prints.
Identifying value and date range of unmarked pieces of china.
Examining the reverse side of china for wire racks and other markings.
Importance of China marks in identifying the manufacturer and production period.
Use of Google Lens to find matches for China marks.
Differences in glaze color and inclusions as clues to production period.
Wear on base plates as an indicator of age.
Identification of Samuel Baker and Sons mark from the Dawn Pottery in Yorkshire.
Thomas Fell's use of impressed Crown marks at St Peter's Pottery.
Differences in pattern designs and elements between manufacturers.
Use of AI tools like Google Lens to identify and match pattern elements.
Variation in block design and transfer design between different sizes of platters.
Identification of Alin in Staffordshire as a manufacturer based on pattern elements.
Value of antique Blue Willow china based on condition, rarity, and manufacturer.
The least valuable piece identified as the most common and with slight staining.
Samuel Baker piece valued between £350 and £450 due to rarity and condition.
Thomas Fell Newcastle piece valued between £400 and £650 for its size, condition, and rarity.