How to become a savvy Shelley China Collector

Shelley china is one of the most collectable types of china available on eBay. Being one of the most collectable types of bone china, it is also one of the least understood. If you are going to begin collecting Shelley china, you need to have some understanding of the history of the Shelley potteries. It's also helpful to understand the different markings on Shelley china and be familiar with common mistakes in listings so that you don't end up paying for something that is worthless,

Shelley china is a beautiful and surprisingly thin and yet strong translucent bone china. It comes in a huge variety of shapes and patterns including chintz, floral, and art deco,

HISTORY

In the 1860, the Wileman family was the owners of a large pottery known as the Foley works located in Staffordshire, England. James B Shelley joined the Wilemans, became the head of the earthenware works and eventually ended up running the china works. In 1881 James then took his son Percy into partnership and after James' death, Percy took over completely.

Percy employed the best artists and developed a world renowned bone china along with the well known Dainty shape. But in 1910, there was concern about using the name Foley as Foley was a pottery region and by 1925, Percy had officially renamed his bone china Shelley. In the 1930's Shelley became well known for their Art Deco creations. They were even allowed to continue producing china throughout World War 2 unlike many other British potteries.

THE SHELLEY BACKSTAMP

Backstamps changed throughout the years. Some of the earliest Wileman/Shelley china has the Wileman stamp which may look like this. Notice that one of the Wileman stamps says Foley. The identifying fact though is the large W in the center which identifies Wileman.

Later, Shelley backstamps included the term Foley in their backstamp.

However, be careful and remember that Foley was a pottery region and many pieces, especially tea cups, are listed under the Shelley category but are not Shelley. Here is an example of a Foley backstamp that was mistakenly listed as a Shelley teacup. These are very pretty, but they are not the fine, thin, translucent bone china that Shelley is collected for. Notice the EBV, this is especially identifying that it is not Shelley.

Backstamps from 1910- 1966 could look like any of these. However, Shelley backstamps are always green!

You may, on a rare occasion, find a piece of china with both a Shelley stamp and another pottery stamp. During the war years and later, Shelley occasionally cooperated with a few potteries in decorating their bone china.

There is one stamp that has been identified as an uncooperated connection. Little is know about this potter - Peacock China Pottery, but it is clear that they attempted to cover the green Shelley mark with their peacock mark. I own one of these rare teacups! Here is a picture of  the back and if you look carefully, you can see the green Shelley stamp! Most likely, this teacup was produced as a white teacup and then was pirated and redecorated. I enjoy owning this particular teacup for it's unusual history.

Many backstamps include a pattern number, either stamped or handwritten. One important note is that any pattern number that begins with a 2 is a second. Many sellers do not realize this. Seconds started in 1919 and represented china that did not meet normal quality standards. However, several patterns arose that are only found on seconds which can be fun to collect.

BEING A SMART BUYER

First, spend some time perusing the many Shelley listings. You will find that there is a wide variety of styles and patterns.

Some of the most common shapes are

Dainty

Gainsborough

Oleander

There is a huge variety of patterns including

Dainty Blue

Scenery

Chintz

When you have decided what you are most attracted to, begin to watch the prices. The prices can vary from 19.99 to more than 100 dollars. It usually depends more on how many people desire that style than whether the china is older or newer.

When you are ready to bid, read the description carefully! Make sure that it is clearly stated that there are no chips, cracks or repairs.

Be sure that there is a clear picture of the backstamp and that it has not been mistakenly identified as Shelley china. A Foley teacup with the stamp shown above is only worth about 10 dollars, not being a Shelley.

Be sure to check the shipping prices and that you approve of how much they will charge to ship your china. Also check the seller's feedback to make sure you approve of why they may have any negative feedback. Also check for a return policy. I had a teacup bought for me that was claimed to be in perfect condition. Though it didn't show in the picture, the teacup actually has a deep scratch right through the design and into the china. You want to make sure this is a dealer who you feel comfortable dealing with.

Now begin bidding!

As soon as yu own your first piece of Shelley china, yu will be hooked! I occasionally drink from my Shelley teacups and I feel like a queen! Owning Shelley china is an affordable luxury her on eBay - ENJOY!