Tips and Terms for Collectors

Mint Condition: is the term originally related to the coin collecting hobby and means that a limited edition item is still in its original, like-new condition, with all accompanying documents AND box. There is NO compromise on this term. Mint Condition means perfect and nothing less. If a collectible has minor crazing or a factory glaze skip, it is NOT mint condition.

Very Good Condition: may be used for those pieces that may possess a very minor flaw such as a bit of crazing, a factory glaze skip or pinhole. This is an "almost mint" condition. Not perfect but possessing no flaws that would seriously affect value. Even the most minor flaws must be disclosed.

Good Condition: should be used to describe most collectibles. Crazing, factory glaze skips or pops, glaze pinholes and even some minor discoloration is allowed under this term. Though all flaws should be disclosed, even these won't affect value more than 20%. Most vintage pieces will have some wear and flaws from years of use. You may even want to be a bit suspicious of a piece that is 100 years old and is still in "mint condition".

The term limited edition applies to any item produced with a specific number of pieces in the line - usually anywhere from 250 to 10,000 pieces. This practice became widely popular in the mid-1960's. Factors in the success of limited edition merchandise include the reputation of the firm, the artist or designer, fine craftsmanship, and a strictly numbered edition with the edition number on the piece and a certificate.

Limited Production identifies collectibles which are produced within a specific time frame. The total number of pieces will vary with the production time as the qualifying factor. This term is somewhat misleading as thousands of items may be produced in a year, unlike limited editions. When the limited production is finished, the molds are destroyed, much like Royal Doulton's Figure and Jug of the Year ranges.

Issue Price is the original price upon introduction of a collectible, established by its manufacturer.

Secondary Market Price is the retail that a customer is willing to sell or buy a collectible that is no longer available on the primary market. These prices will vary from one territory to another depending on the popularity and demand for the subject in each particular area.

Royal Doulton, Royal Albert, and Minton. Together, the three brands make up Doulton Home, which is now part of the Waterford Wedgwood group. Most of the pieces in these three brands are manufactured outside the United Kingdom, in the Far East and Indonesia.

On September 30, 2005, the Nile Street factory closed after being sold to developers. Higher-quality items are now made at the home of parent company Waterford Wedgwood in Barlaston, in the countryside south of the Potteries Conurbation. Almost all other Doulton pieces are made in Indonesia, although there is a move to return production to England.