BACK-STAMPS
Identification of Ceramics
The majority of Keith Murray ceramics will carry one of the back-stamps as in Fig 1, 2 or 3. For pieces which aren't, you will need to be aware of the shapes that Keith Murray produced in order to correctly identify. Some collectors (ourselves included) are not put off by pieces which are not marked with a Murray back-stamp, although knowledge of the shapes produced does help.
As well as the signature or monograms you may also see the words MOONSTONE, MATT STRAW or MATT GREEN added. These marks are not always present.
An incised group of four numbers around the edge of the bases of pieces indicates the shape number. These are rarely present.
Impressed letters and numbers are a reference to the date of when the piece was made plus the potters marks. Interestingly, we have seen pieces with the full signature which are dated in the 1940's, whilst we have also seen pieces with the Barlaston KM mark which are dated pre-1940's.
On wares which have handpainting you will see painted letters and numbers to the underside. These refer to the pattern number.
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| fig 1. Facsimile signature with underline,Wedgwood and made in England. Printed in black, blue or brown for the following colourways ;- matt green, April green, dark green,matt straw, matt grey, and moonstone. also found on two-tone slipware's in the Celadon and Champagne colouways. Printed in red on black and bronze basalt, and on red stoneware. This mark was introduced and used from 1932. |
Fig 2. Keith Murray monogram printed in black, brown or blue on all wares except black and bronze basalt and red stoneware. Introduced in 1934. |
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fig 3. Keith Murray initials incorporated into a standard Wedgwood stamp. Printed on all earthenware's except black and bronze basalt and red stoneware. This mark is one found most often on wares in the 'duck-egg' blue colourway. Introduced in 1940. |
Identification of Glass
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fig 4. This mark was used on glassware's produced at the Stevens and Williams glass works. It is acid etched on the bases of pieces. More often than not the letters 'S' and 'W' (Stevens & Williams) appear either side of the Fleur de Lis. Introduced in 1932. |
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FIG 5. A group of marks which can be found on Annular wares. The picture (right) shows the words ANNULAR SHAPE included in the backstamp. This is not always present. The words 'Matt Green' can be found on the mid green colourways and 'Matt Straw' on the yellow, similar to the moonstone mark (left). Annular ware does not always include the colourway mark and can also be marked with just 'Wedgwood - Etruria England'. |
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BACK STAMPS |
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