Shelley and Wileman Backstamps

Both Shelley and Wileman used a variety of backstamps over the years. Indeed, backstamps are often the first thing a collector looks for. Although a backstamp may be an indicator of authenticity, the backstamp alone is insufficient to guarantee genuineness. Counterfeit backstamps have been applied to ordinary pottery, and in some cases transfers have been applied to bonafide Shelley whiteware. To complicate matters, some genuine Shelley pieces have no backstamp at all, for example salt and pepper shakers.

Set forth below are some of the most common backstamps.

 

wileman 1872-1890

Wileman 1872 - 1890

Variations may omit "England" or include "Made in England"
Wileman 1890-1910

Wileman 1890 - 1910

Variations include "The Foley"
W-SpanoLustra

Wileman 1890 - 1910

Variation of above for Spano-Lustra line of wares
Shelley Late Foley Shelley 1910 - 1916
Shelley 1910-1925 Shelley 1910 - 1925
Shelley 1910 var

Shelley 1910 - 1925

Variation of above
Shelley old sevres

Shelley 1910 - 1925

Variation of above for Old Sevres pattern
Shelley heraldic

Shelley 1910 - 1945

Used on heraldic miniatures
Shelley 1925-45 Shelley 1925 - 1945
Shelley 1945-66 Shelley 1945 - 1966
Shelley Mini Shelley Miniatures - 1950's

 

As noted above, many variations of the above exist, usually occurring when Shelley or Wileman added a particular pattern name and/or number to the backstamp. In addition, earlier Wileman and the forerunners to Wileman employed numerous other backstamps. For further information, you are encouraged to visit either the Australian site at www.shelleyclub.com or the UK site at www.shelley.co.uk.