What are Royal Albert seconds and how do we spot them?
Royal Albert china seconds are pieces that did not meet the company's high-quality standards, typically due to minor flaws. Here are ways to identify if a Royal Albert piece is a second:
1. Backstamp marks
- Factory Markings: Examine the backstamp on the underside of the piece. Seconds often feature a distinct marking, such as a scratch, dot, or grind mark (an example is shown above) through the backstamp, indicating the piece did not meet first-quality standards.
- Variation in Design: The backstamp may not be as crisp or may differ slightly from standard first-quality pieces.
2. Visual imperfections
- Pattern Issues: The decoration or pattern may be misaligned, faded, or incomplete.
- Colour Variations: Slight differences in colour from the intended design can indicate a second.
- Glaze Flaws: Small imperfections such as bubbles, pinholes, or uneven glaze are common on seconds.
- Shape Irregularities: The piece might have minor warping or uneven edges.
3. Feel for flaws
- Surface Irregularities: Run your fingers over the surface to check for rough spots, bumps, or indentations not typical of first-quality pieces.
4. Pricing
- Lower Cost: Seconds are typically sold at a reduced price compared to first-quality items. However, in the secondary market, some seconds may still fetch a good price if the flaws are minor or the pattern is rare.
5. Packaging
- Seconds are often sold without the standard Royal Albert packaging or in boxes marked differently to indicate they are not first-quality.
Did Royal Albert ever mark china as seconds that were not actually seconds?
Yes, it is possible that some Royal Albert china pieces were marked as seconds even though they were not technically flawed. This could happen for several reasons:
1. Overproduction or excess stock
- Occasionally, manufacturers might mark perfectly good pieces as seconds to clear overstock or discontinued patterns. These items were sold at a discount to move inventory quickly.
2. Quality control policy changes
- Standards for what constituted a "second" may have shifted over time. Pieces that might not have been considered seconds under earlier guidelines could have been marked as such later due to stricter quality controls.
How much cheaper are Royal Albert china seconds to buy?
The price difference between seconds and first-quality Royal Albert china can vary depending on several factors, such as the specific pattern, rarity, and market demand. Here's a general guide:
Factory pricing for seconds
- Discount range: Seconds are typically sold at a 20% to 50% discount compared to first-quality pieces. This reduction reflects the minor flaws or imperfections.
Secondary market pricing
- Collectible patterns: For highly sought-after patterns, seconds may still sell at a premium but usually at a 10% to 30% lower price than first-quality items.
- Common patterns: For less rare patterns, the discount might be more substantial, often 40% to 60% lower.
Influencing factors on the price of Royal Albert seconds
-
Visibility of Flaws:
- Pieces with barely noticeable imperfections (e.g., tiny glaze flaws or colour inconsistencies) may retain a higher resale value.
- More noticeable flaws (e.g., pattern misalignment or chips) result in steeper discounts.
-
Packaging:
- Pieces sold without original Royal Albert packaging might be priced even lower.
-
Discontinued Royal Albert china patterns:
- For rare, discontinued patterns, even seconds may hold considerable value, with smaller discounts compared to other lines.
-
Market demand:
- In regions where Royal Albert china is highly collectible, seconds may still command higher prices than in less competitive markets.
Why buy Royal Albert china seconds?
Whilst seconds have minor flaws, they are still perfectly usable and often retain the same charm as first-quality pieces. Many collectors and users choose them for their affordability and unique characteristics.
You can buy Royal Albert china online
Would you like tips on identifying specific Royal Albert patterns or advice on valuation? Subscribe to our You Tube channel Vintage Farmhouse Antiques