How do I tell genuine antique faience from a later reproduction?

Examine the unglazed foot rim: authentic period pieces show a cream or pinkish-beige paste with natural crazing in the enamel. Industrial reproductions have a uniformly white body and an overly smooth glaze. A magnifying glass will also reveal the irregular, hand-applied brushwork typical of 17th- and 18th-century decoration.

Which French faience production centres are most sought after by collectors?

Rouen (lambrequins and blue camaïeu decoration), Moustiers (Bérain-style grotesques and mythological scenes), Strasbourg (polychrome naturalistic flowers) and Nevers (Persian-inspired and blue-ground wares) are the most prized French manufactures among serious collectors and dealers.

What price should I expect to pay for antique faience from a dealer?

Prices range from around £80–£300 for a common unmarked plate from Nevers or Rouen, to £500–£3,000 for a signed or rare-decorated piece. A complete Strasbourg service or a large period Moustiers dish can exceed £5,000. Enamel condition and provenance are the primary value drivers.

How should I care for and store antique faience?

Never use a dishwasher: heat and harsh detergents degrade stanniferous enamel and painted decoration. Hand-wash in lukewarm water with mild soap. Store pieces on a stable surface, separated by acid-free tissue paper, away from knocks and sudden temperature changes.

Can underglaze marks reliably identify the factory?

Often yes. Painted initials, painter's numbers and factory symbols — such as the Nevers crescent, the Moustiers trident or Rouen's HR mark — are catalogued in specialist reference works. Many period pieces are unmarked, however; in those cases decorative style and paste analysis remain the most reliable indicators of origin.