Help needed in identifying a Staffordshire bowl

**JonLedner** · Dec 21, 2013, 08:24 AM

I have been asked to help a lady both identify and possibly even value a piece of pottery.

The lady who owns this piece worked in the Staffordshire potteries for many years. When she was a young lady it was given to her as a thank you gift by an elderly lady who was was retiring. When she was given it, she was told it was valuable. That young lady is now in her 90's!

I have attached a few pictures of it and can say that I did check but couldn't see any markings on it. I'm sorry for the quality of the pictures, if needed, I can go back with a proper camera and take some more, it is a 50 mile round trip though.

The elderly lady that is trying to get it identified said that it could be Ridgway, Wedgwood or Coalport. I know she would be really grateful if someone could help her identify and value it.

Thanks in advance.

**tamrock** · Dec 21, 2013, 08:50 AM

I would call that Majolica ware. Much of that type of pottery is collectible and have some high prices. I see some chips on the underside of the rim as that would have a factor in the value. Pottery collectors are very picky and will inspect and note every condition issue for it's value. As who made it for sure I can't say. You will be able to research many pieces online of this type pottery to see if you can get an idea on value. This is just one link.
MAJOLICA & STAFFORDSHIRE

**Frankyg** · Dec 21, 2013, 04:22 PM

tamrock...do you think it could be old Moorcroft? I can't make out the markings but it has a Moorcroft 'Look' to it.

**tamrock** · Dec 21, 2013, 09:40 PM

Originally Posted by Frankyg

tamrock...do you think it could be old Moorcroft? I can't make out the markings but it has a Moorcroft 'Look' to it.

That would be a strong possibility. I see no marks on it. I have some antique books to go through and I know I have one that had a few pages on Moorcroft pricing. I do think it is old maybe 1860s to 1870s?

**JonLedner** · Dec 22, 2013, 04:49 AM

Hi All,

I'm near that area today, I will drop in to see her to wish her a happy Christmas. While I'm there, I'll take some better pictures. Any instructions while I'm there? Jon

**Frankyg** · Dec 22, 2013, 07:30 AM

Hi Jon,
If you could take some macro pictures of the base showing any makers marks it would be helpful. Also some better pics of the design and any damage. I don't know enough about pottery to identify it myself but I live about a mile from the Moorcroft Pottery works in Stoke On Trent Staffordshire so I'll call into their factory shop and show them the pics if you like.
Regards
Frank

**diggummup** · Dec 22, 2013, 10:51 AM

It's going to be very difficult to attribute this piece to any particular maker. I will say that I think it is circa 1870'-1890's, English of course. Unfortunately, it's not really rare or valuable. I did manage to find a similar one on ebay. It is in the style of many pieces of that era, they were made by many companies including but not limited to Wedgwood and George Jones. Here is a similar styled one made by George Jones- English Christmas Holly George Jones Majolica Pottery Compote Tazza 1861 73 | eBay and here is the oval shaped brother to the bowl that you have pictured in similar condition. I think you can get an idea as to value based on this one- Antique English 19th Century Majolica Oval Raised Bowl | eBay I hope this helps.

**Frankyg** · Dec 22, 2013, 11:54 AM

Great research Digemup!! Spot on. I like the decoration and colours on the bowl. i'd buy it at a swap meet if I saw it.

**JonLedner** · Dec 22, 2013, 12:41 PM

Hi all,

As promised, I dropped a Christmas card in and took a few more pictures. I studied the piece in detail for some time but couldn't find and identifying marks.

I too found that one on eBay, a little disappointing as it doesn't mention the maker and the price will disappoint her a little. Not looking forward to that conversation!

Once again, thank you all for your input.