You might wonder when watching the Appraisers at Antique Roadshows just how they can determine so much information about a teacup or platter simply by turning them upside down. The fact is the markings that are stamped, painted or impressed on the underside of most ceramic items can tell a great deal about a piece other than just it's maker.

What the appraiser is looking for is historical reference points that they have learned over years of research and study of pottery and porcelain items. What few people are aware of is that it's not just the name of the company name such as Rookwood, Weller or Royal Doulton stamped on the piece that tells the tale, but a number of things used within the mark itself. The actual dating of a piece is much like detective work, the company name itself only gives the appraiser a rough timeline of when the company was known to operate.

Other factors such as the colour of the mark, how it's applied or the numbered codes within the design can often date a piece to the exact year it was produced. Famous companies such as Wedgwood, Minton's, Derby and Worcester have all used a variety of numerical or symbol codes which with a quick look in a reference book will provide the exact date of production.

Even without a reference of pottery/porcelain marks there are a few "Pro Points" listed below you could copy or memorize to help date pottery and porcelain items such as:

• Small hand-written marks tend to be Pre 1800's
• Kite shaped marks with " Rd." in the center were used from 1842-83.
• Printed/Stamped marks in colours other than blue tend to be post 1850. 
• The use of the word "Royal" before a company name tends to be used after 1850.
• The use of the term "LTD" or " Limited" appear after 1860
  
• The use of the word " Trademark" tends to be used after 1862 
• The use of registration numbers such as " Rd No.10057" begin in 1884. 
• The name of a country with the stamp indicates where the piece was made dates from 1891.