When I began buying Royal Albert's Old Country Roses china pattern, I bid on everything! After items arrived I noticed the back stamps were different, three variations actually. Then I read the buyers guide on back stamps and which one means what. (Very helpful) Well, being a "collector" I wanted the originals produced in England in 1962. Consequently, the one I needed to purchase did not list the date of 1962 and certainly did not list copyright or trademark information/symbols. I put all of my purchases out on the dining room table in 3 categories; "originals, 2nd run, and 3rd run, then I asked my husband to tell me which ones were different, if there was any variation in the patterns. Well... after an hour long inspection.... lo and behold there is a variation from the original to the 2nd and 3rd. The back stamp is not always photographed on a listing and rather than asking the seller what the back stamp reads I look for this tell tale sign:

 Notice the brown on the leaf under the yellow rose, its from an "original" made in England 1962 the back stamp reads "Bone Chine Made in England". This marking is constistant on all pieces, dishes, bowls, cups, etc.

 No brown on the bottom portion of the leaf.... Back stamps show trademark and/or copyright symbols and say 1962.

There are other variations, very slight changes in coloring, however they are hard to view from a photograph, this is the one variation that is most noticeable. We were not able to find significant differences between the second and third productions.