Royal Albert China Patterns: Identify & Authenticate Your Pieces

Royal Albert is considered one of the most popular and collected types of fine bone china in the world. Whether you have inherited a set, found a piece in an antique store, or are just curious about your own set, learning how to identify your Royal Albert china is a skill that all collectors and enthusiasts need to know.

In this guide, we will show you all of the ways that you can identify your Royal Albert china.

Quick Reference: 4 Steps to Identify Royal Albert China

What Is Royal Albert China?

Royal Albert china is a high-quality bone china product that originated in England in 1896. It was first made in Longton, Staffordshire. The china company specialized in the production of exquisite floral designs and gold. It was awarded the right to append the word 'Royal' to its brand in 1904. This is a great honor for any china company.
Royal Albert china has over the years created numerous designs. Some of the designs are popular and have become best-sellers. Royal Albert Old Country Roses is a popular china product that was first created in 1962. Other designs are no longer in production and are highly sought after by collectors.

Step 1: Check the Backstamp (Maker's Mark)

The surest method to identify Royal Albert is to check the backstamp or maker's mark on the base of the piece. Here are some things to check:

•  Brand name: Check for the words 'Royal Albert' printed on the base.
•  "Bone China England" or "Made in England": These words are hallmarks of English production.
•  Pattern name: Some pieces feature the pattern name on the backstamp. For example, 'Old Country Roses' or 'Moonlight Rose.'
•  Registration numbers: These are present on some pieces and can be used to date the piece.

How Backstamps Evolved Over Time?

The evolution of the backstamp of Royal Albert over the years is quite significant. Items produced before 1945 have a more ornate and crown-style backstamp. Items produced from the 1950s onwards have a simpler look for the backstamp.

Items produced after the company merged with other companies, leading to the creation of WWRD, i.e., Waterford, Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, may have a different copyright line. Knowing the evolution of the backstamp will assist you in identifying the age and authenticating the item.

Step 2: Identify the Pattern by Its Design

Royal Albert china has mostly floral designs, and each has its unique characteristics. Here are some of the most popular designs and how to identify them:

• Old Country Roses
  It is believed to be the best-selling china pattern in the world. This pattern has full-blown red and pink roses with yellow roses and foliage, with a rich gold band. This pattern was first introduced in 1962 and has been in continuous production, making it the easiest to identify and authenticate.
• Moonlight Rose
  The Moonlight Rose has soft pink and cream-colored roses, mostly on a light-colored background with fine gold. This is a softer and more romantic look compared to the Old Country Roses.
• Lady Carlyle and Other Vintage Patterns
  Other vintage patterns, such as the Lady Carlyle, have a complex multi-floral design in muted colors with detailed border work. These may be difficult to identify without the backstamp, and it is always best to verify the design with other sources.
  

Step 3: Utilize Online Pattern Databases and Resources

If you are unable to find a pattern from a backstamp alone, there are a few resources that can be utilized:

1.  Royal Albert Official Website
   The Royal Albert Company has a database of existing as well as classic patterns.
2. Replacements Ltd. (replacements.com)
   This is one of the most extensive databases of china patterns, which includes a huge collection of Royal Albert patterns.
3.  Kovels.com
   This site has a database of antique and collectible identification resources that include backstamp china.
4. Collector Forums and Facebook Groups
   There are various groups like "Royal Albert Collectors" that can help you quickly identify obscure patterns.
   

Step 4: Assessment of Quality and Authenticity

After identifying the pattern on the piece of china, the next step is to evaluate the quality of the china to establish the value and authenticity of the piece. Genuine Royal Albert china is characterized by the following features:

• Translucency: When you hold the china against the light, genuine bone china will have a translucent look.
• Quality of the gold: The gold on genuine bone china is not flaky.
• Print quality: The print on the china will be clear and well-defined.
• Weight: Bone china is relatively lighter than porcelain. However, it is strong. If the china is heavy and rough to the touch, it may not be genuine.

Tips for Collectors: What to Watch Out For

As the popularity of Royal Albert china increases among collectors, it is necessary to be aware of reproductions and incorrect identifications. To avoid unlicensed reproductions being sold as the genuine article, it is necessary to be sure of the backstamp. Due to the risk of the backstamp being worn and faded, it is suggested that a magnifying glass be used to closely examine the piece.

It is also necessary to note that some Royal Albert china may have been produced under license in other countries outside England. These include Canada and Australia. Although these are genuine pieces of Royal Albert china, they may have a slightly different finish. It is necessary to look at the piece under good lighting before buying to avoid any damage to the gilt that may lower the value of the piece.

Conclusion
Being able to identify Royal Albert china patterns is an interesting skill that requires not only visual recognition but also historical knowledge and careful inspection. From learning about the backstamp, learning about some of the most iconic and popular pieces, and making use of online resources, you can now identify, date, and even value your Royal Albert pieces. Whether you’re an avid collector or simply an enthusiast who wants to know more about an inherited family piece, you now have all that you need.