Kovels' New Dictionary of Marks: Pottery and Porcelain, 1850 to the Present

Overall it is helpful. I am really just getting into this, so it is great to have something I can refer to to get an idea of where the item I have comes from.

This book was my first porcelain reference book and I purchased it with the idea of identifying and dating items in my growing cup and saucer collection. It did not disappoint me. It doesn't have all the marks(an impossible feat), but it is an excellent reference and I use it extensively! I highly recommend this as an important addition to the library of any one collecting porcelain!

This guide if properly used shows the dates that some English designs were registered, however it does not give the exact date of manufacture, reg. marks being a copyright for three years an item bearing one could be made at any time within three years of the date marked. Furthermore many factories failed to deleat the marks from moulds and transfer prints at the end of the period so it is not advisable to confuse reg.date with date made. Otherwise a very helpful book.

I purchased this book to find information on porcelain manufacturers because I'm just getting started on collecting porcelain tea cups and demitasse sets. It has great info, it's well organized and easy to use. It has domestic manufacturers as well as foreign and will be a big help to anyone who uses it. It also has a great helper in the back: an explanation of and chart for dating the old-style English registry marks. I found out I have a plate made Dec. 3, 1855 from looking in this book. Buy it. It's a big help.

Good research, accurate information, and voluminous (if not exhaustive) representation of marks. Brief yet succinct information identifying maker, circa date and geographical location are offered with marks. Don't expect a good read or scholarly discourse. Small and light; easy to take on the road.