Proof of Year of Manufacture of this pair of Wedgwood Jasperware Candlesticks
Based on official Wedgwood factory marking guides and dating systems, this candlestick dates to 1865 (or broadly the mid-Victorian period, c. 1860–1890).
Analysis of the Markings
1. WEDGWOOD Stamp (Without “ENGLAND”)
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Rule: Following the US McKinley Tariff Act of 1890, Wedgwood began stamping “ENGLAND” on all exported wares starting in 1891. From around 1908/1929 onwards, this was updated to “MADE IN ENGLAND”.
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Diagnosis: Because the word “ENGLAND” is absent, this candlestick was produced prior to 1891.
2. The Letter T (Date / Year Code)
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Rule: In 1860, Wedgwood introduced a cycle of year letters starting with
O= 1860.-
O= 1860 -
P= 1861 -
Q= 1862 -
R= 1863 -
S= 1864 -
T= 1865 (and repeats in 1891).
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Diagnosis: Since 1891 production pieces were stamped with “ENGLAND”, a
Tmark without the country name pinpoints the manufacture year to 1865.
3. The Letter J and Cross/Flower Symbol
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Rule: Isolated single letters (like
J) and small impressed symbols (like the four-petal cross) represent potters’ tally marks or workman symbols. -
Diagnosis: These were stamped by individual throwers or craftsmen so the factory could track piece-rate production and pay the potter accordingly.
