Since the conception of the first Wade Whimsie in 1954, Wade pottery became an affordable genre of collectables and remains popular to this day.
At Potteries Auctions we auction and sell pottery from all over the world, but we also pride ourselves on selling quality pottery made right in the home of the potteries – Staffordshire. This includes Wade ceramic and pottery pieces.
If you’re looking to sell your Wade pottery, or enquire aboutvaluations of Wade pottery, our experts are here to help. We’ve also created this markings guide to allow you to identify dates and makers marks on your Wade pottery.
Why is Wade Pottery Famous?
Wade Ceramics was founded in 1810 and specialises in porcelain and earthenware, featuring a unique style is well-known and well-loved. Its products include animal figures and industrial ceramics but is notably most famous for its collection of Wade Whimsies.
First developed by Sir George Wade in the 1950s, these small solid porcelain figurines soon became extremely popular in the UK and in the United States. The delightful figures were often designed as collections of animals, famous characters, or cellulose figures, such as the stunning Wade Walt Disney figures and the unmistakable Wade Tetley Tea figures.
The Wade Whimsies were introduced as a temporary marketing strategy, yet their popularity took off, making them a signature collectable range.
The Wade Gluggle jugs are also extremely popular and collectable. The infamous fish shaped jug makes a fun and irresistible centerpiece as the ‘glugging’ sound brings a sense of entertainment when liquid is poured from the jug.
Is Wade Pottery Valuable?
With such a range of products and collectables, it can be hard to know how much your Wade pottery pieces are potentially worth.
Rare figures, such as this cellulose clock Walt Disney Whimsie of Bashful from Snow White, can sell for wonderful prices of up to £780 at auction.
However, some of the earlier Wade pieces from the 1950s and 1960s are even more valuable.
How Can I Tell If My Wade Pottery Is Collectable?
Wade pottery markings are identified based on the year the item was produced and in which factory. Depending on the condition of the pottery piece and the year it was made, the value and the collectability of the piece will be reflected in the price.
The following markings on your pottery will let you know it is an authentic Wade piece. Wade ceramics and potteries has had an iteration of trading names, and therefore backstamps and markings, due to its exciting history.
- Wade & Co., Union Pottery (1887-1927)
- George Wade & Son Ltd., Manchester Pottery (1922-1927)
- Wade Heath & Co., (Ltd.) (1927-1953)
- Wade (Ulster) Ltd., Ulster Pottery (1953-1990)
- Wade Ceramics Limited (1990-today)
Wade Backstamps and Markings from 1887 to 1927
Photo Credit: The Wade Collector’s Handbook.
Wade Markings and Backstamps
Wade figures markings printed c1936
Wade Stag mark, with Made in England from c1936.
This marking was used from c1940s.
This marking was used from c1947 it has a trademark owl.
Wade England marking use c1945 into 1950s.
Wade England marking used c1947 to 1953.
Wade England marking c1945 to 1950s.
Wade ‘HARVEST’ mark from c1947 to c1955.
This marking was to mark Robert Barlow’s work from c1947 to 1950.
The Bramble mark was from c1950 to 1955.
This marking was transfer printed and used in c1953.
This ‘CAMBRIDGE’ marking was used c1950s and 1960s.
The Wade Golden Turquoise Mark was used in c1950s.
The Wade Golden Mark was used in c1950s.
This marking is the Wade Heath mark, used c1934.
The Wade Heath England lion mark was used c1927.
The Wade Heath Orcadia marks were used in c1934.
The Wade Heath Flaxman ware marks were used c1936.
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The Wade Walt Disney on Whimsies figures was used c1936.
The Wade Heath mark was used on Flaxman pottery c1939.
These Wade marks were used c1938 to 1950.
The Wade Heath marks from c1942 to the late 1940s looked like this.
Wade Heath mark c1945.
These markings were used on Flaxman pottery from c1937 to c1939, however at times the Flaxman can be missing.
Wade Heath gothic marks c1930 to 1954, some have ‘GOTHIC’ at the top, some at the bottom.
Wade heath hand painted made in England marks used from c1953.
This marking shows the Wade Royal Victoria pottery marks c1953.
These markings show the Wade (Ulster) Ltd markings used from 1953 onwards in the Irish Portadown factory.
Photo Credit: Antique Marks.
How to Sell Wade Ceramics and Pottery
If you are looking to buy or sell Wade pottery, Wade collectables, Wade Gluggle jugs or Wade Whimsies figurines, our team of experts at Potteries Auctions can help. Request a call back if you are looking for an expert evaluation and are seeking to sell some Wade Whimsies at auction or send us an email. We specialise in collecting and shipping worldwide, so please get in touch with usto discuss how we can help you.