{
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  "kind": "appraisily_article_fact_card",
  "canonical": "https://appraisily.com/articles/unlocking-the-secrets-of-the-past-a-guide-to-identification-of-antique-tea-cup-markings/",
  "title": "Antique Tea Cup Markings: Backstamps, Date Codes and Pattern Clues",
  "summary": "Identify antique tea cup markings by documenting backstamps, date codes, pattern names, porcelain body, gilding, photos, and condition.",
  "modifiedAt": "2026-05-21T00:00:00+00:00",
  "evidence": {
    "faqs": [
      {
        "question": "My teacup says “Nippon.” What years does that imply?",
        "answer": "“Nippon” in English on export ceramics generally points to the 1891–1921 period for U.S.-bound goods. Afterward, marks typically read “Japan” or “Made in Japan.”"
      },
      {
        "question": "Does “Made in England” guarantee authenticity and high value?",
        "answer": "It confirms a 20th-century export marking for British-made ware but not quality or value. Assess factory identity, pattern desirability, condition, and whether decoration is original."
      },
      {
        "question": "How accurate are British “Rd No” marks for dating?",
        "answer": "Very useful. “Rd No” sequences correspond closely to registration years for designs, providing a solid earliest production date. The actual cup could be made slightly later if the design was used for years."
      },
      {
        "question": "Are Sèvres or Meissen marks a safe indicator of a masterpiece?",
        "answer": "No. Famous marks are heavily copied. Examine craftsmanship, paste, gilding quality, and mark execution. Seek corroborating factory features and period-consistent decoration before attributing."
      },
      {
        "question": "The factory mark looks right, but the pattern number seems off. Which should I trust?",
        "answer": "Treat inconsistencies as a prompt to dig deeper. Retailers and studios sometimes added their own numbers. Prioritize the factory backstamp and date indicators, but verify whether the maker’s number ranges accommodate the pattern."
      }
    ],
    "auctionComparables": []
  },
  "limits": [
    "This compact card summarizes the canonical HTML article; cite the canonical HTML URL.",
    "Values are context-sensitive and can change with identity, authenticity, condition, provenance, completeness, venue, and date.",
    "Auction records are educational comparables, not an appraisal of a submitted object."
  ]
}