If you’re sick of hearing everyone talk about Pyrex, you might be more intrigued by a brand with an interesting claim to fame. The late Queen and her family love some home brands And they’ve been royally warranted for years, and one such brand produces dishware that will be a fantastic thrift store for your kitchen. You may not be royalty, but that doesn’t mean you can’t eat like one! Royal Doulton was founded in 1815 in London, England. For over 200 years they have made beautiful plates, bowls and mugs. While the brand itself is antique, the pieces you find in your local thrift store can be from any era of the company’s centuries-long history, which is part of what makes it so fun to find.
Royal Doulton has produced a wide variety of pieces, so there will be something you want to see. From minimalistic patterns like Adrian to the delicate florals of Tonkin patterns, vintage Royal Doulton pieces have a lot to offer. However, don’t overlook the pattern still in the product! Simple yet colorful 1815 patterns and charmingly illustrated bunnies would also be great finds. Not only are they beautiful and useful to have in your kitchen, but Royal Doulton dishware can also be very valuable. Buying a complete set of new dinnerware can cost between $145 and around $400, so finding it at a thrift store can save you quite a bit. On the secondhand market, some pieces go for just a few dollars, but collectible off-the-shelf pieces and patterns sometimes sell for hundreds or even thousands. It’s definitely worth keeping a close eye on your thrift store’s dishware shelves.
Identity and style of Royal Doulton dishware
If you’re wondering if your thrift store find was really lucky or a clever fake, a good place to start is the maker’s mark on the back or underside of the piece. Since the early 1800s, Royal Dolton’s marks have included the name ‘Dolton’, with the word ‘Royal’ added in 1901 when their first royal warrant was issued. Most of their emblems consist of a crowned lion, sometimes standing above the company name, the word ‘England’ and another crown placed above a circle formed of geometric shapes. Modern dishes have a simple mark, consisting of a crowned lion in profile above the company name, where the piece was made, and copyright information. If you’re still unsure, comparing the piece to other Royal Doulton pieces of the same pattern can help you spot discrepancies.
Now that you’re sure the dishes you have are authentic Royal Doulton dishware, you’re probably wondering what to actually do with them. If you don’t decide to resell them, there are several ways you can display them. Modern pieces will look great on your kitchen shelves, and you can take them down to use. However, while modern dishware is made using safe materials, some vintage and antique pieces may contain lead paint. you can Test for lead paint Use an EPA-approved test kit to be sure. Display old pieces on shelves, mounted on the wall, or even Arranged in a china cabinet It is safer to use them.
