Denby use a variety of different backstamp designs and so apparently identical items you can see, buy or sell on eBay will not all have the same one. Indeed some genuine Denby won't have a backstamp at all, but more of that later!
The backstamps are applied after glazing and are generally in black, matt-finish ink.
If you see the letter 'S' anywhere it's a second (which doesn't always mean you will be able to detect a flaw, however).
The backstamp designs vary from a very simple:
The backstamps are applied after glazing and are generally in black, matt-finish ink.
If you see the letter 'S' anywhere it's a second (which doesn't always mean you will be able to detect a flaw, however).
The backstamp designs vary from a very simple:
Denby
England
S
England
S
(which is the one used on seconds), to far bigger and more 'wordy' ones.
One point that is often worrying is if the item has no backstamp. This doesn't mean it isn't Denby, however. As mentioned, the stamp is applied on top of the glaze, so isn't sealed.
This means that, with time (and usually as a result of handwashing) the backstamp can become faint or disappear altogether.
Handwashing isn't to be avoided, however. In many ways it is better than machine washing for a lot of items.
The colours and textures of real Denby are very distinctive - things like the brown border to Imperial Blue and the 'milky' blue-grey glaze on Greystone.
My advice? If you're at all unsure, check with the seller before bidding and ask questions. Most reliable sellers will be happy to explain and reassure you on their items.
One point that is often worrying is if the item has no backstamp. This doesn't mean it isn't Denby, however. As mentioned, the stamp is applied on top of the glaze, so isn't sealed.
This means that, with time (and usually as a result of handwashing) the backstamp can become faint or disappear altogether.
Handwashing isn't to be avoided, however. In many ways it is better than machine washing for a lot of items.
The colours and textures of real Denby are very distinctive - things like the brown border to Imperial Blue and the 'milky' blue-grey glaze on Greystone.
My advice? If you're at all unsure, check with the seller before bidding and ask questions. Most reliable sellers will be happy to explain and reassure you on their items.
Guide created: 12/05/09 (updated 15/11/11)


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