Wade pottery is one of the most widely collected ceramics brands in the UK and worldwide. From miniature Wade Whimsies to rare figurines and Gluggle jugs, collectors often ask:
Are Wade Whimsies worth anything?
How do I identify Wade pottery marks?
Which Wade figurines are rare?
This expert guide explains how to identify Wade backstamps, date your pieces, and understand their value — with real auction insights.
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 about valuations 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.
Contact Us TodayWhy is Wade Pottery Famous?
Founded in 1810, Wade Ceramics became famous for producing:
- Wade Whimsies (miniature animal figurines)
- Wade animal figurines and ornaments
- Gluggle jugs (iconic fish-shaped jugs)
- Promotional collectables (e.g. Tetley Tea, Disney figures)
The introduction of Wade Whimsies in the 1950s transformed the brand into a global collectables phenomenon — especially in the UK and United States.
For a deeper look at the brand’s legacy, see our history guide: The Wonderful History of Wade Pottery
And learn more about the company’s later years: Wade Ceramics: The End of an Era
A collection of Wade lady figurines
What Are Wade Whimsies?
Wade Whimsies are small, solid porcelain figurines — usually animals or characters — originally produced as promotional items.
Highly searched terms like “wade whimsies value list UK” and “rare wade whimsies” reflect just how collectible they’ve become.
Popular examples include:
- Animal figurines (birds, tortoises, zoo animals)
- Disney character figures
- Tetley Tea promotional figures
See more collectible examples here: Wade Collectables
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How to Identify Wade Pottery Marks (Backstamps Guide)
Wade pottery marks vary depending on the year, factory, and company name.
1. Early Wade & Co Marks (Pre-1930s)
Look for:
- “Wade & Co”
- “George Wade & Son Ltd”
- “Wade Heath & Co Ltd”
These early marks are often rarer and more desirable.
2. Wade England Marks (1940s–1950s)
Common backstamps include:
- “Wade England”
- Animal symbols (e.g. stag, owl)
- Pattern or product names (e.g. Harvest, Bramble)
Searches like “wade england figurines” and “wade england pottery” are extremely common — these marks are among the most recognisable.
3. Mid-Century Wade Marks (1950s–1970s)
During the peak of Wade Whimsies production, you’ll often find:
- Transfer-printed marks
- Factory names such as Ulster Pottery
- Pattern names or series identifiers
4. Modern Wade Ceramics (1990–Present)
Later pieces are usually marked:
- “Wade Ceramics Ltd”
- Cleaner, more modern stamps
These are generally less valuable unless part of a limited edition.
Rare Wade Pottery & Figurines to Look Out For
If you’re searching “rarest Wade Whimsies” or “most valuable Wade figurines”, keep an eye out for:
- Early or discontinued Whimsies sets
- Limited edition or promotional figures
- Disney or licensed characters
- Prototype pieces
Discover what makes rare pieces so desirable: What Makes Rare Wade Pottery Prototypes So Collectable?
See an example of high-value Wade at auction: Two sets of Wade Pokemon figures
Wade Pottery Values: What Is It Worth?
Wade pottery values vary significantly depending on rarity and condition.
Typical Values
- Common Wade Whimsies: £5–£30
- Sets or collections: £50–£200+
- Rare figurines or prototypes: £200–£700+
Example:
- Rare Disney Wade Whimsie (Bashful clock): up to £780 at auction
For a full breakdown, see our valuation guide: What’s My Wade Pottery Worth at Auction?
Get a Free Auction Estimate for Your Wade Collectables
Wade Backstamps and Markings
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.
How to Sell Wade Ceramics and Pottery
At Potteries Auctions, we offer:
- Free expert valuations
- Specialist pottery auctions
- Global collector demand
Learn more about selling Wade pottery: Wade Ceramics For Auction
You can also read about our Wade expertise here: Former Commercial Manager of Wade Ceramics reflects on five decades in the Potteries
Frequently Asked Questions About Wade Pottery
Yes — most are worth £5–£30, but rare examples can sell for hundreds of pounds.
Rare examples include early sets, discontinued series, and licensed figures such as Disney characters.
Check the base for marks like “Wade England”, animal symbols, or earlier names such as Wade Heath & Co.
Prototype pieces, rare figurines, and unusual promotional items tend to achieve the highest prices.
Yes — Wade figurines remain highly collectible, particularly among themed collectors.
Values typically range from £5 to £200+, depending on rarity and condition.