IS YOUR IRONSTONE REAL? HOW TO IDENTIFY IRONSTONE - ALL ABOUT ANTIQUE AND VINTAGE IRONSTONE GUIDE

Is your antique ironstone actually old? How do you identify a piece of ironstone? I've seen so many reproductions and fakes online and in antique malls that pose as antiques! In this overview of antique and vintage ironstone I'll answer common questions like:
WHAT IS IRONSTONE?
HOW CAN I TELL IF IRONSTONE IS OLD?
WHAT ARE COMMON FAKES AND REPRODUCTIONS?
WHAT IS CRAZING? DOES IT MATTER?
HOW CAN I DETERMINE THE DATE OF A BACKSTAMP?
AND MORE!
Whether you're just starting to have interest in ironstone or you've been collecting for awhile, I hope this video is both informative and enjoyable for you!
If you'd like my QUICK GUIDE TO VINTAGE IRONSTONE you can check out my blog post here:
hymnsandhome.com/2022/07/30/i...
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the overwhelming number of questions and photos I have been sent, I can no longer answer questions pertaining to individual pieces you may have. I am sorry to disappoint, but with young children at home my time is very limited. If you have a question about something I said in this video and need clarification, please comment below and I'll do my best to answer. Thanks for reading!
CHAPTERS
INTRO & HOW I STARTED COLLECTING: 0:00 - 2:16
WHAT IS IRONSTONE: 2:17 - 6:08
HOW TO IDENTIFY OLD IRONSTONE: 6:09 - 15:14
A PEEK AT MELISSA'S COLLECTION: 15:15 - 18:17
ABOUT CRACKS AND CRAZING: 18:18 - 19:55
COMMON REPRODUCTIONS & FAKES: 19:56 - 26:33
HOW MUCH IS IRONSTONE WORTH?: 26:34 - 28:28
RESOURCES FOR DETERMINING BACKSTAMP DATES: 28:29 - 31:38
AMERICAN & OTHER IRONSTONE (BRIEFLY): 31:39 - 34:10
CONCLUSION: 34:11 - 35:01
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO:
(As an affiliate, I may make a small commission from purchases made through these links - thank you for supporting my small business!)
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF POTTERY MARKS: amzn.to/3kAx8BE
MY VINTAGE ETSY SHOP (Restock coming soon!):
www.etsy.com/shop/HymnsAndHom...
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
I did not include this portion in the video to avoid an overwhelming length, but in addition to dating by backstamps, ironstone can also be dated by style. Ironstone started out quite basic and various patterns and designs came into style over the years (as is true of anything in culture right?). This topic could be a video all its own, but if you're interested in learning more about dating white ironstone by style you might want to check out this resource (I don't own it but it gets good reviews and is on my wishlist!):
WHITE IRONSTONE CHINA PLATE IDENTIFICATION GUIDE:
amzn.to/3ECzZB0
As always, thank you so much for watching - I appreciate you being here!
I'd love to hear about your favorite ironstone finds!
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE for more cottage living, vintage and thrifting, and scratch recipes!
Blessings,
Melissa
THE BLOG:
hymnsandhome.com
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM:
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view.flodesk.com/pages/62b3e3...

[@hymnsandhome]

FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE VINTAGE TIPS AND COTTAGE LIVING! instagram.com/hymnsandhome/

[@vivianhuang6028]

Thank you. This video is an excellent primer, guide, education on Eng. & American Ironstones. Watched video several times. I started collecting Ironstones a year ago (in Canada), hopefully we have some antique/vintage Ironstones out in the wild.

[@hymnsandhome]

Thank you so much, Vivian! I'm glad you found it helpful! Happy ironstone collecting 🙂

[@lacey8454]

This was so informational, I would absolutely love a part two diving deeper!

[@hymnsandhome]

Thanks, Lacey! I've made a note! 🙂

[@marykalexander2735]

I learned so much! Nice to see someone else operating with actual ethics. Kudos! 🙌

[@hymnsandhome]

Thank you, Mary! I'm glad it was helpful to you! 🙂

[@andreawilkerson2006]

Excellent information. Thank you!

[@mindynotte4961]

I just found a C.C. Thompson ironstone tureen. It's in beautiful shape and has a beautiful bell sound. Thank you for all of the wisdom

[@hymnsandhome]

That's awesome! And you're so welcome - thanks for watching!

[@rosariopaiz6158]

Thank you for the information on how to identifying iron stone .

[@berthahobler2003]

Thank you so much for sharing 😊

[@hymnsandhome]

My pleasure! 🙂

[@bettiswan5999]

Yes, id love to see your vintage books!!!

[@marymogckmishmashmary]

Great information, thanks so much❣️

[@hymnsandhome]

My pleasure! 🙂

[@Mary-gm2cl]

What a great video, Thanks for putting it out there!

[@hymnsandhome]

Thank you so much, Mary! 🙂

[@susanmaxham8397]

Very educational! Thank you so much!

[@hymnsandhome]

My pleasure! 🙂

[@joscelynpease6656]

Wow, great overview, thank you!

[@hymnsandhome]

Thank you, Joscelyn!

[@elizabethwitte6417]

Great video, I learned a lot!!

[@hymnsandhome]

I'm so glad! 🙂

[@2222dw]

Really informative video- thank you

[@hymnsandhome]

My pleasure! I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@teresaelling-peacefulhome]

Great video! so informative! I love ironstone and transferware! I just discovered your channel and I am thoroughly enjoying it.

[@hymnsandhome]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Teresa! Thank you so much! 🙂

[@aishefortune1699]

Thank you so much for sharing. Hope you do more ironstone videos 😊

[@hymnsandhome]

My pleasure! I definitely plan to in the future! 🙂

[@nclare7]

Wow! Very informative. Thank you!

[@hymnsandhome]

I'm so glad you found it helpful!

[@ramirofuentes4408]

I just started to collect ironstone (England). Found a few pieces at the Goodwill. Have been collecting a certain pattern from Homer Laughlin (American Dogwood) comes with or without gold trim I collect both. As a little boy, I remember my mother having a dinnerware set living on the farm. Happy hunting!!!

[@hymnsandhome]

Oh how nice! It's so fun to hunt for pieces, isn't it? Good luck in your hunting and thanks for watching! 🙂

[@paulac5934]

Very interesting and helpful! Thank you

[@hymnsandhome]

Thanks, Paula! 🙂

[@MrDaddyob2]

love this thank you so much , blessings

[@hymnsandhome]

My pleasure - thanks for watching!

[@sarahsmom1995]

Thank you for sharing. Just learning about Ironstone.

[@hymnsandhome]

Happy to share! Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@avakoike9575]

Thank you so much for all this helpful information. I will test my entire collection.

[@hymnsandhome]

You're very welcome - I'm glad you found it helpful! 🙂

[@lindaschreiner8676]

Thank you for this information.

[@hymnsandhome]

My pleasure, Linda!

[@paulagiardinella5365]

Wonderful informative video! I love ironstone and have a small collection.

[@hymnsandhome]

Thank you, Paula! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@angelaholston5986]

Super helpful info. Thank you for sharing.

[@hymnsandhome]

You're so welcome!

[@sharongray-rush516]

Thank you I love ironstone and I’ve learned so much from you that I will be putting to use but like you said if its a piece I like I’ll still get it. By the way you have the most amazing pieces and collection I’ve ever seen just beautiful

[@hymnsandhome]

Thank you so much, Sharon! I'm so glad you found it helpful! 🙂

[@lorinda_WI]

Lovely presentation and overview.

[@hymnsandhome]

Thank you so much, Lorinda! 🙂

[@hymnsandhome]

STAY TUNED FOR MORE VINTAGE TIPS! IN THE MEANTIME, LET'S GO ANTIQUE SHOPPING TOGETHER: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5aYmIeimt5phKs

[@noraconnelly2584]

Your knowledge of ironstone is so helpful! Thank You!❤

[@hymnsandhome]

My pleasure! :-)

[@gathercreatelivewithleslie8340]

I love antique and antique looking pieces. I do see that many sellers will put vintage and not antique. Too many people go off of ebay pricing for pricing, not realizing you can put any price you want on a piece, but it won't sell for that, just like any store. I have over 20 platters from thrifting and am amazed at what people will donate. Love these types of educational videos. My daily eating dishes are random florals plates and bowls from the early twentieth century, all from thrift stores .

[@CrepeMyrtleRow]

Thanks so much for the info! I collect lots of transferware and didn’t realize it was ironstone.

[@hymnsandhome]

I'm so glad you found it helpful! 🙂 Thanks for watching!

[@thaisdaddario1806]

That was a perfect video!! I have just started learning about ironstone and you answered all of the questions I had in the back of my mind. Super informative, clear, concise, and interesting. Thank you!! If you plan on making another video, I'd love to learn more about transferware specifically. I see there are a lot of sets with different types of themes or stories.

[@hymnsandhome]

I'm so glad it was helpful to you! Thanks for the input - I'll definitely keep that in mind for future videos. Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@beverlycrabtree9889]

Very interesting. I’m just getting into ironstone. I love it.

[@hymnsandhome]

Thank you, Beverly! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@reneemontalvo6538]

This was so helpful, both as a buyer and a seller. Thank you! Also, I need that book!

[@hymnsandhome]

I'm so glad! 🙂 The book is really awesome!

[@mariettawarkentin2799]

Gosh I learned so much from you! Your home from the background is so pretty!

[@hymnsandhome]

Aw thanks! I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@ginamaria2579]

I’m loving the old English colonial ironstone. Thank you for your video I’ll know more going forward and having Mayflower linage we grew up with a real appreciation of older the “real deal” 😂 and how to spot and take care of these amazing dishes . 🤗💕

[@hymnsandhome]

That's awesome! Thanks so much for watching! 🙂

[@ronniemontgomery4394]

Great job.

[@hymnsandhome]

Thanks so much!

[@karenkettering1725]

What a fun channel! I've been watching your Christmas decor videos and really enjoying them. The first time I heard about "vitrified" was when I was selling Longaberger. Their china was vitrified and I used to tell my clients that they all had at least one piece of vitrified china in their homes. It was their toilet!

[@hymnsandhome]

Thank you so much, Karen! Haha I love it - that's so true! :-)

[@beckyberrett2415]

I enjoyed this video. I do like a white dishes for display. I now will have to see if any of them are the real deal. The history was very informative!

[@hymnsandhome]

Thank you so much, Becky! 🙂

[@stillloveap]

I found your video truly enlightening I have several pieces that I think may be Ironstone and will open my cabinet tomorrow and find out… Also I found my self reading and researching some china or stoneware at the thrift store and stumbled upon several Historic America Johnson Brothers plates, saucers and a gravy boat and I was thrilled because I’ve always desired those for my Thanksgiving table. Thank you for all your insight, I love your channel 🤗

[@hymnsandhome]

Thank you so much! I'm really glad you found it helpful and those sound like great finds! Enjoy!

[@vickimckenney6173]

I love restaurant ware & transferware!!! It’s easier to find & usually is better prices as well!!! I love to mix it all together!!! ❤

[@hymnsandhome]

Totally agree! I mix all of them together too. 🙂

[@jozdum2681]

Thank you so much for this video! Very insightful on so many levels! I so appreciate how thorough you’ve been to explain, demystify what is real or not and so so so resourceful! Thank you 🙏

[@hymnsandhome]

I'm so glad it was helpful to you! 🙂

[@jozdum2681]

@@hymnsandhome I actually used your tip today to make sure the saucer I bought today at the thrift store was truly ironstone! So thankful for people like you … I am always keen to learn more and you’re very helpful! 🙏

[@hymnsandhome]

@@jozdum2681 That's awesome! (Great find, also!) I'm planning to make more vintage help guides in the future (hopefully soon-ish).

[@jozdum2681]

@@hymnsandhome Excellent!!! 😊

[@sarahjanuary6677]

My husband recently found a beautiful set of Kensington Staffordshire Ironstone. I have a very strong English heritage, so this find is amazing! I'm struggling with finding out how old it is.

[@hymnsandhome]

That sounds lovely! Sometimes you can find backstamp (marking) charts online that will tell you approximate dates. Perhaps try searching for "Kensington Staffordshire Backstamp Dates?"

[@pattybrockman8561]

You did a good job

[@hymnsandhome]

Thank you!

[@graced5823]

Thanks for the tips. My peices are Alred Meakin. I just always sought that over others. I do have some others that may be made in England or France. Good tip about the base being rough (reminds me of crocks).

[@hymnsandhome]

Thank you - I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@blancag4657]

I appreciate so much your way of explaining. I just subscribed to your channel. I went thrifting yesterday and found this platter from Henry Alcock, Imperian Parisian Porcelain. Is this Ironstone? Beautiful white heavy, sounds bell like and it stole my heart ❤️

[@hymnsandhome]

Thank you, Blanca! Sounds like a great find - and it's the best if you love it! 🙂 Henry Alcock did produce ironstone in England from about the 1860s to the 1930s. The word "Imperial" was included in some of his markings, so if it fits all the other qualifications I'd say it's likely ironstone!

[@blancag4657]

@@hymnsandhome thank you so much 😊

[@terrizimmerman5297]

Although I don’t own any, I find this video very helpful and informative for novice collectors.

[@hymnsandhome]

Thank you, I'm so glad!

[@TheShandi773]

I have a pitcher from Goodwill that has a raised embossed sprig of leaves. I have found a wheat version online but not this, and it's not marked. I'm not sure what it is but your video taught me alot. :)

[@hymnsandhome]

I'm so glad the video was informative for you! Sometimes rarer pieces are difficult to find online but if you can get a feel of the characteristics of real ironstone based on other factors then you know you just have a special piece. 🙂

[@OwlingDogDesign]

What a greatly informative presentation! Thank you so much. I wonder & didn't hear you mention any information about 'embossed' impression identifiers, which is something I'm seeing quite often. Do you have any knowledge of these? The ones I have a really difficult to read (at least to my eyes). Are these 'a thing?' Thank you for any information. New sub & I also followed you on IG. 🥰

[@hymnsandhome]

Thank you so much! Yes, embossed are also a common identifier / marking. They are definitely harder to read! I'll have to collect my thoughts and do a little more research before speaking on that matter - perhaps in a future video. Thanks so much for watching & subscribing! 🙂

[@coreensmith301]

Thank you for the info. You helped me identify my ironstone, except one piece. It is an ironstone soup tureen with "made in italy" stamped on the bottom of the tureen and "ITALY" on the bottom of the matching tureen plate. I've not been able to find anything online. Can you assist me in getting more info on this piece. It was my grandmother's. I'm happy to send you a pic or two.

[@rebeccaorlebeke1961]

I just purchased a large basin/bowl labeled "Ironstone China T.E.P.P. Co" with the lion and unicorn coat of arms. Do you know if this is an authentic company or fake? I came across your video while trying to figure it out. Thanks for the great info. Now I want to find all the Ironstone! 😊

[@LifeofWalk]

I have some, the stuff is indestructible! Unbelievable when I checked the date it was made! Older then me, my parents, grandparents 😬

[@hymnsandhome]

That's awesome! It really is well made and durable!

[@user-qu8gh5fb6f]

34:50 I have a set of iron stone and one saucer. Just trying to research to see if authentic.

[@user-dw4ev2yl2z]

Melissa, Thank you for your informative video! No joke- I watched it this morning and this afternoon I went to two thrift stores in Evanston to find a ceramic mixing bowl. I found a nice cream colored one made in Portugal (not old) but at Goodwill I found a John Maddock and Sons Royal Vitreous Louis XIV tureen with both pieces for $14.99. I’m assuming it’s worth more than that?

[@hymnsandhome]

That's awesome! :-) I'm so glad you found it helpful. Without looking at the specific piece I couldn't say with absolute certainty, but I would think it's worth more than that!

[@JShow78]

I have a antique Homer Laughlin ironstone pitcher. They used to be the “premier” maker of ironstone in the USA. They often won many awards at fairs and were actually accused of mis-marking their ironstone as English in order to sell it (the lion and unicorn). Homer Laughlin then decided to stamp their ironstone with the American eagle on top of the fallen lion to show that they can make superior ironstone. A fun bit of American history for ya.

[@hymnsandhome]

That's so interest - thanks for sharing! I knew some American makers used English looking backstamps to try to associate it with the well-known English ironstone but didn't realize they put the eagle on top of a fallen lion for that reason! 🙂

[@tammeypotter9515]

I bought a large bowl today and I’m kicking myself for not getting the pitcher!! 😢😢I’d be surprised if it was there tomorrow

[@hymnsandhome]

Oh no! That's a bummer but it's happened to all of us! There will always be another neat find to discover. :-)

[@1963Jellybean]

Thank you for your informative video. My mother purchased an entire set of China that is octagonal shape, white and heavy. It was purchased around 1970. It does not have a stamp that is a color rather it is embossed and I am unable to read it. Is this ironstone? I greatly appreciate any information you may have.

[@hymnsandhome]

You're very welcome! Without seeing it I can't say for sure but it's possible. Does it possibly say "England" or "Made In England?" There are books on white ironstone patterns and also a magazine publication of white ironstone - some issues may be available digitally. If you do an internet search for white octagonal ironstone patterns you may be able to find a pictorial guide. I know that's probably not overly helpful but hopefully it gives you some ideas.

[@1963Jellybean]

@@hymnsandhomeThank you for replying to my comment and providing me with helpful information.

[@user-od3zf3fv3n]

Is it worth it to thrift an Richard Alcock Ironstone large pitcher if it is broken

[@hymnsandhome]

If you like it and the damage doesn't bother you, that's all that matters. :-) From a resale perspective it depends on the damage - most people don't mind some chips and a little wear.

[@ginamaria2579]

Oh by way I’m searching real butter pats they are very hard to find in the wild ☺️👍🏻

[@hymnsandhome]

I completely agree - I've seen very few butter pats "in the wild!"

[@fabyvargas4736]

Hi I have a platter that says (royal premium semi-porcelain T&R Boote England ) is it ironstone? I tried to google can’t find one

[@hymnsandhome]

Yes, T&R Boote produced pieces labeled with the term "semi-porcelain" which is another name for ironstone.

[@Math-kc4cz]

What is the lead content in vintage Ironstone?

[@hymnsandhome]

I've read varying information about that. Typically white ironstone / stoneware is considered "safer" than anything colored (which could potentially contain very high levels of lead, even in some more modern products from certain countries!). Personally I still wouldn't use antique ironstone for food or drink. In the US lead levels were not monitored or regulated until after the 1970s.

[@KatherineWisniewski]

You say the three types of ceramic fabric are stoneware, earthenware and ironstone. But I was under the impression that ironstone, technically, is a kind of stoneware? Let me know if I am wrong. Just kinda new and appreciate your guidance.

[@hymnsandhome]

Thanks for your question! Ironstone is a type of earthenware that has had elements added to it and fired at a high temperature so that it becomes very strong and vitrified (water proof). Basic earthenware does not have these additives and is not vitrified - it will absorb water pretty readily. Earthenware is the basic category with ironstone being a more specialized and enhanced type, so I was making it its own category. Stoneware is also made of clay and fired at higher temperatures than basic earthenware. It also becomes vitrified and durable, but not at as high a temperature as ironstone so I would say it falls somewhere in-between. Another type/category of pottery that I didn't touch on in the video is porcelain, but even within that you get variations like bone china, etc. So lots of different categories. Sorry if that was confusing in the video! Thanks for watching!

[@countrysister700]

I'm a vintage vendor that's confused by the Victoria Ware content. Some Victoria Ware was made in the 1920's as inexpensive reproductions of antique items. Those 1920's copies are now 100 years old and thus antique themselves. More was made in the 1960's and is classed vintage. Can you share how you know it's modern Chinese? Otherwise very good information. Honestly, there are some older vendors who are just crooks and fib daily. Others are younger vendors that call anything say with a mid-century style Mid-Mod Vintage but it was made 5 years ago.

[@hymnsandhome]

Thanks for your question! Some of the modern Victoria Ware does actually have a made in China sticker which is an indicator. The pieces made in the 1960s are technically vintage, but unfortunately often sold as "very old, antique pieces" either because people don't know what they actually have or they know better and are trying to dupe people. So even though it's vintage it's not what it seems to be. Any pieces made in the 1920s would be antique, as you said (I've never seen one myself), but may also be mislabeled as 1800's or Victorian Era pieces. Ultimately it comes down to sellers correctly labeling their items and pricing them fairly. If a piece is 100 years old but being priced and sold as 150 years old, it's still not correct. So just making people aware that this happens was my goal. Hope that helps! Thanks for bringing this up!

[@countrysister700]

@@hymnsandhome agree completely! The vintage and antique labels are just laziness on parade imho. "Circa 1920's" is more helpful. " +/- 1900". "mid-century style" but no date means to me it's really cool, consistent with that look, but may be Pottery Barn lol. It did used to be hard when everything depended on experience, memory or books. Today Google Lens is this old gal's best friend. Thanks so much for all the information. I'm taking notes!

[@hymnsandhome]

@@countrysister700 Haha yes! I've noticed too that modern day companies are starting to make ironstone-like designs because of its popularity (like Target, for example)!

[@KatherineWisniewski]

Is belleek a kind of ironstone?

[@hymnsandhome]

I believe Belleek is porcelain, not ironstone, but I'm not very familiar with it.

[@JShow78]

Ohh btw, I think your large bowl might be a punch bowl. It resembles the size and shapes of punch bowls I have seen in the wild

[@hymnsandhome]

Thanks - that's a good thought! 🙂

[@twerkinthecityhuh6340]

Is "irokstone" also considered "ironstone"??? I have Saucers made by J & G Meakin /england which say that on the backstamp...... Just curious?? Must be huh?

[@hymnsandhome]

I can't say I've ever heard of such a name - is it possible the 'n' in ironstone got smudged or misprinted?