Shelley
The Shelley Name.
The Shelley backstamp has been used on its wares since 1910 though the factory producing them started its existence many years earlier. Members of the Shelley family worked for the factories of Wileman and Foley, backstamps that preceded the Shelley brand. The latter, Foley, being incorporated into the Shelley backstamp for a number of years as Late Foley. Collectors should be aware that other potteries used the name Foley, notably that of E. Brain & Co. Though this producer is commendable in its own right, it is not an "early" Shelley. When we collect we look for Shelley in the backstamp or Wileman & Co. with its monogram of W.C. The influence of this pottery on Shelley is obvious and provides an additional area for collectors. I have only seen one example of a Shelley piece which did not have a backstamp but undoubtedly many more will exist.
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The Range
Though Shelley is renown for its fine bone china, other pieces in earthenware and dinnerware were made and the range is quite extensive: from jelly moulds to table lamps, nursery ware to figurines. Even within the "china" range there is a choice of different shapes and styles.
Pattern Numbers
One of the most enjoyable activities is collecting examples from the many ranges Shelley produced using pattern numbers as a guide. These are available in current books written to increase your enjoyment of collecting Shelley. It must be said, however, that because of the lack of full records, many pieces turn up which add to our lists. A cup style not listed for a pattern is not that uncommon so don’t be put off if you find something not in the books. If you like it, buy it! Certain numbers have particular relevance, none more so than those for figure ones starting with a 2…. Some of these are seconds. They are still very collectable though so once again don't be put of by too much information. As with all fine bone china, flaws can appear in the firing. For instance black specks can be seen under the glaze or in the china as you hold it up to the light. If these do not spoil the item on display then why not pay the appropriate price?
Price Watch (Updated December 1999)
We can only give advice on prices we have seen and researched. The three major centres (U.S., U.K., and Australia) vary considerably on price. So what can you expect to pay? Buying on the Internet reduces the variation in prices as Shelley is bought either through auction houses or from dealers. In general, auction prices are 20% lower than those asked by dealers unless a particularly rare/desirable piece is being offered. For example, some Shelley miniatures have reached $500 on U.S. based auction sites. A "standard" cup and saucer might fetch $45 at auction, $60 at a dealer. How to define standard is difficult. There are some cup shapes more desirable than others (Eve, Queen Anne, Mode, Vogue, Regent) and within these shapes some patterns (e.g. Art Deco) are more sought after. A plain "Dainty" white cup and saucer is worth less than ⅓ the price of a Dainty blue and Dainty mauves/blacks/greens/pinks are even higher! Trios (cup, saucer and teaplate) are again ¼ of the price more expensive. Ceramics are not offered in such high numbers as there are fewer collectors. There are no common prices for these objects. So again, if you like it, buy it. It is unlikely that you will find an identical piece by shopping around.
This 7½ inch "Heavenly Blue" pattern dish (often described as pin, bonbon dish) would cost around $50 at auction ($75 dealer). Pattern no:14075. It is a recent item c 1961.
A trio in the much sought after deco Vogue style. This one a "green J" would cost around $320 auction or $375+ dealer. Pattern no:11740
"Dainty" floral trio with pink handle. Sold for $75 auction. Pattern no:13425. This shape remains ever popular since its introduction in 1896.
Shelley produced coffee cans in different sizes. This one is 2½ inches tall. Pattern no:M10801. Bought for $50 from a dealer.
The blue iris pattern (no:11511) c1926 is probably the most popular of the Queen Anne range. This demitasse is exquisite, bought for $80, it would fetch around $100 or so at auction.
A dramatic gold and black Dainty cup and saucer from the later years. At auction it was sold for $127.
No Shelley listing would be complete without a chintz sample. This trio is in the Melody pattern made in the 1940s. Pattern No: 13453. Sold at auction for $120. It was also produce with variations, pale green inside the cup and gold trim for example.
Other Shelley Auction Prices
| Dog Roses Cup and Saucer, Regent shape | $55.00 |
| WildflowersCup & Saucer | $38.69 |
| Kingfisher Vase, 4 inches | $120.00 |
| Cup & Saucer Violets, Regent | $36.00 |
| Trio Kenneth, c1919 | $58.00 |
| Rose dainty trio | $82.00 |
| Lily of the valley cup & saucer | $46.00 |
| Fruit inside design cup and saucer | $45.00 |
| Tabhandled Cakeplate, Pink Dainty | $40.00 |
| Daffodil Time Trio | $80.00 |
| Green Mode demitasse, special pattern | $125.00 |