Topic: Marks on a Swinnerton Olde Alton Ware platter

[Anne E.B.]

Am I right in thinking that china marked "England" is made before a certain date?
My Willow pattern oval dish is made by Swinnertons in their "Olde Alton Ware" and the backstamp shows what is now Alton Towers (theme park), but previously known as Alveton Lodge, Alton Lodge, Alton Abbey and so on.  As far as I can discover, Swinnertons was founded in 1906, so I'm guessing that because its just marked "England" then its an early piece

It also has two "circles" underneath the backstamp.  Does this signify anything?  There's also a number 2 printed elswhere which I've only just noticed.  Its got little "stumps" on the underneath where its been placed in the kiln on top of supports.

TIA

[Anne E.B.]

Can anyone confirm up to what date "England" appeared on china please?  This Olde Alton Ware willow pattern plate was made by Swinnertons which was founded in 1906.  I'm guessing the plate is an early piece.

Also, do the two tiny circles (with petals) underneath the backstamp have any significance.
Many thanks.

[keith]

According to Godden's Guide pieces marked 'England' are usually after 1891,can't find anything about Olde Alton ware though ;Do

[Anne]

According to the Blue and White site http://www.blueandwhite.com/museum.asp?m=Swinnertons&p=Olde+Alton+Ware this pattern dates from the 1930s, Anne, but no source is given.

[Anne E.B.]

Thanks folks for your help
I've been unable to find much info about O.A.Ware, and Swinnertons are not even mentioned in my Millers 'Blue & White Pottery - A Collector's Guide'.   The piece is in really good condition, so not as old as I first thought, but still good if it dates back to the 1930s
My first attempt at posting ran out of time, so I re-did it, not knowing that the first one actually went through

[Anne]

Anne, don't worry, the board does funny things sometimes!  

I checked the same book as you did, and Miller's Pottery & Porcelain Marks, which only has a one line entry with no examples. Godden has some for Swinnerton's but none for the Olde Alton Ware, which is curious.