Prior the 1935 Royal Albert marks or back stamps were written as Royal Albert Crown China. But from this point onward, Royal Albert back stamps read as Royal Albert Bone China. Until the pottery incorporated, a variety of back stamps were used. For information on the back stamps up to 1935, please read Early Royal Albert Crown China Marks to 1935.
Back Stamps From 1935 to the 1950s
With some Royal Albert patterns from earlier periods still popular between 1935 and 1940, many of the original mark styles remained the same, but the word "Bone" replaced the word "Crown." One example is the pattern, "American Beauty," an early and still popular Royal Albert pattern dating to 1927.
Crown China, itself, formed its own company in 1935 and some patterns like Royal Albert Crown China "Maytime" went with the newly formed pottery and became simply Crown China "Maytime" from that point.
In the 40s and 50s the back stamps were fairly simple, reading Royal Albert Bone China, England, with a depiction of a crown in the middle and the name of pattern below. Other stamps from the period were very detailed, often miniature versions of the pattern itself, each one quite different from the next.
Allied English Potteries
Royal Albert Bone China was bought by the Pearson Group known as Allied Potteries in the 1960s along with other well-known bone china potteries like Shelley, Paragon, Royal Vale and Royal Crown Derby. Some of the patterns from these names included Royal Albert in the back stamp and this continued into the 1990s.
Royal Albert 1970 to Present
In 1970, Royal Albert became a limited company with LTD after the name on many patterns. Two years later, Royal Doulton was bought by the Pearson Group joining Royal Albert and several other well-known potteries in the alliance.
In the early years of the 21st century, Royal Doulton began producing Royal Albert in Thailand, Portugal and Japan and these newer patterns indicate where they were made. Most collectors look for the earlier England or the later Made in England mark on the bone china they purchase.
Royal Albert Legacy
Royal Albert has always been synonymous with English gardens, roses, floral bouquets and quality in bone china tea services and dinner services. Many patterns have come and gone since the company's founding, but others still have true staying power.
Readers may also be interested in learning about Collecting English Bone China Tea Cups and how to add cottage charm with pretty bone china.
References
Royal Albert Patterns for very good illustrations of Royal Albert Marks
Gayles: Royal Albert for a little history of Royal Albert
Lorraine Syratt - Lorraine Syratt is a freelance writer, gardener and part-time antique dealer. Please see her full profile for more information.
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