First Belleek Porcelain Mark
Q: As a collector of Belleek, I say the first markings are in black, but a lady I email back and forth with says it was different colors. Could you tell us who is right?
A: First of all, for those who wonder what is Belleek, it is one of the best porcelains you can buy. Belleek is fine Parian from Ireland that is highly collectible and very valuable in good to excellent condition. Belleek is still in operation today and very busy with their collectibles and new product lines.
The earliest pieces of Belleek that remain in a home are usually Belleek that has been passed down from generation to generation. They were given as gifts on a wedding day, or handed down from mother to mother.
The marking on the early pieces between the dates of 1863-1890 were either impressed with the word "BELLEEK" or "BELLEEK, CO FERMANAGH". Some were impressed and marked with the Belleek 1st period mark. The color of the mark during this period was normally black but other colors did exist, and were sometimes used, among the colors used were red, blue, orange, green and brown. You may even find some pieces of Belleek also carrying the British Patent Office Registration Mark Mind though, this only gives the date of registration, not the date the piece was actually manufactured. The first mark was as pictured.
Markings help you narrow down the era your piece is from, but colors were used when marking. The design of the mark will help greatly, but the sure fire way to authenticate your piece is to take it to an appraiser and have it authenticated, documented and then, get it insured!