How to Spot Wedgwood Seconds, Factory Imperfections & Reproductions
Wedgwood is one of the most collected names in English ceramics, and it’s easy to understand why — timeless patterns, beautiful craftsmanship, and pieces that last generations.
But whether you’re a collector, reseller, or someone who inherits a cabinet full of dishes, you’ll eventually run into one question:
Is this a first-quality piece, a factory second, or something that only looks like Wedgwood?
With a little practice, it’s surprisingly easy to tell the difference.
Here’s what to look for.
What Wedgwood “Seconds” Really Are
A factory second is a piece that didn’t meet Wedgwood’s strict quality standard, usually due to a minor cosmetic flaw.
Seconds were:
Sold at discounted factory outlets
Marked to avoid being returned as full-price stock
Common during periods of high production
Collectors encounter them often from:
The 1960s–1990s (peak production years)
Some earlier mid-century lines
Seconds are still real Wedgwood — just not perfect.
How to Identify Wedgwood Seconds
1. Look for an “S” Mark
This is the most reliable giveaway.
You might find:
A clear impressed S
A small stamped S near the backstamp
Rare examples where the S is offset from the main mark
If you see it, you’re officially holding a second.
2. Scratched or Scored Backstamp
Another common indicator is a line drawn through the Wedgwood mark.
It might appear as:
A diagonal scratch
A curved line
A shallow scoring mark over the printed logo
The intention was simple — prevent retailers from selling seconds at full price.
3. Remnants of Paper Labels
Some seconds were only labeled with factory stickers instead of permanent marks.
Over decades they fall off, leaving:
A faint rectangle of glue residue
Slight discoloration in the glaze
If a piece feels imperfect but has no S or scratch, a missing sticker may explain it.
4. Look at the Flaw Itself
Factory seconds almost always have TINY flaws, such as:
Minor glaze skips or thin glaze spots
Raised bumps or pin dots in the ceramic
Small transfer print misalignment
Light color bleed or pattern blur
Slightly uneven trim placement
Nothing major — just not “Wedgwood perfect.”
Factory Flaws vs Wear & Damage
Not every imperfection means a second.
Factory flaw = happened in the kiln
Typical signs:
Clay speck under glaze
Tiny pinhole
Color skip at the rim
Damage = happened later
Dishwasher glaze fade
Gray cutlery marks
Surface scratches
Cracks and chips
Crazing (micro cracking)
→ Important: Crazing is age-related and does not indicate a second.
Understanding which category applies helps when pricing or buying.
Reproductions & Lookalike Pieces
With Wedgwood’s popularity came imitators — some intentional, others just similar styles.
Common giveaways of non-Wedgwood
No impressed mark anywhere
Generic stamps like
Bone China England
Fine China JapanGold trim on patterns Wedgwood never produced
Pattern artwork that looks “soft” or cheaply printed
What Wedgwood ALWAYS Does
Authentic Wedgwood typically has:
A backstamp or impressed mark
Crisp transfer printing
Professional glaze application
If it feels off, compare the backstamp to official Wedgwood timelines — it usually answers the question instantly.
What Seconds Mean for Value
Collectors generally price:
First-quality pieces highest
Seconds 30–60% lower, depending on pattern
Exceptions where seconds still sell well:
Retired patterns
Rare serving pieces
Sets where someone just wants to complete place settings
For everyday use, most buyers never notice the difference.
Final Word
Knowing how to spot Wedgwood seconds is one of the simplest ways to buy smarter, sell fairly, and avoid surprises when pricing your pieces.
Seconds may not be perfect, but they are still part of Wedgwood’s long and wonderful production history — and sometimes they’re the most affordable way to enjoy it.