A few factors to look out for when figuring out how to identify antique pottery are the weight of the piece, its translucency or resonance. Its easier to figure out the body if the piece is chipped - simply run your finger along the fracture to identify how hard the grain is.

How do you date ceramic?

The researchers have developed the first direct method for dating pottery by examining animal fats preserved inside the ceramic walls. Archaeologists have long dated sites by the visual appearance of pottery fragments found around the site.

What is a pottery mark?

Potters mark, also called factory mark, device for the purpose of identifying commercial pottery wares. One of the few found on ancient Greek vases reads: “Exekias made and painted me.” The red pottery of Roman times is signed by means of stamps. Potters marks are most commonly found on porcelain.

Can you carbon date ceramic?

What can be dated? For radiocarbon dating to be possible, the material must once have been part of a living organism. This means that things like stone, metal and pottery cannot usually be directly dated by this means unless there is some organic material embedded or left as a residue.

Is Crown Devon pottery valuable?

We sell many different Crown Devon pieces at auction here at Potteries Auctions. Their items are still very collectable today, with some fetching a very handsome price at auction.