Background on the major marks delineating Belleek's various production periods is listed below. All "black mark" Belleek is considered to be highly collectible and is the most prized by collectors. See also:

DATING BELLEEK BASKETS

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BELLEEK MARKS

Click the hyperlink to go to the Belleek marks Quick Reference Page showing all of Belleek's 12 basic marks in one handy reference, then feel free to bookmark the page as a handy "at a glance" reference if you wish.

FIRST MARK ("FIRST BLACK") (1863-1890)

The original Belleek ink transfer mark was used in two sizes (large and small) as appropriate, and was most often black, but examples in red, blue, green and brown from the period have been documented. In addition, in earliest Belleek the mark may be omitted entirely, with only impressed wording such as "Belleek," "Belleek Pottery," or "Belleek Co. Fermanagh" identifying the piece. Occasionally the basic Belleek mark was modified to include the name of a particular retail outlet and its location.

SECOND MARK ("SECOND BLACK") (1891-1926)

The basic mark during the second period is modified with an underlying ribbon and the words "Co. [County] Fermanagh Ireland." This revision was necessary to achieve compliance with the U.S. McKinley Tariff Act of 1891, and the 1887 British Merchandise Act as amended in 1891 (requiring the country of origin to be specified on each piece). The word "Ireland" was also now added to any impressed lettering, such as in the case of "Belleek Co. Fermanagh Ireland."

THIRD MARK ("THIRD BLACK") (1926-1946)

The mark was revised yet again, adding a circular badge enclosing a Celtic design with the words "Deanta in Eirinn" (Made in Ireland). In addition, the mark now featured the registered trademark number 0857. Used until 1946, this mark was the last used during what is considered Belleek's golden period of production from which all wares produced are highly collectible.

FOURTH MARK ("FIRST GREEN") (1946-1955)

Upon resuming full production following World War II, the pottery revised the mark only in color, from black to green—in every other respect it is exactly the same mark. The decision to do this was not based on nationalism following the war (with the color green historically being so strongly identified with Ireland), but upon the fact that the green ink transfer was less likely to show through the thin, translucent parian than its black predecessor.

FIFTH MARK ("SECOND GREEN") (1955-1965)

Once again Belleek's mark is altered slightly, this time with a registered copyright symbol (®) being added above the right tip of the designation ribbon. This mark indicates that Belleek's trademark has been registered in the United States.

SIXTH MARK ("THIRD GREEN") (1965-1981)

All of the basic elements remain in the sixth mark, but the ribbons now read only "Belleek" and "Ireland." "Co. Fermanagh" no longer appears in the trademark, and the overall elements (hound, harp, round tower, etc.) in the trademark are much more refined than in the past.

SEVENTH MARK (1981-1992)

In addition to having its color changed to "gold" (brown), Belleek's trademark during this period is simplified once again from its predecessor, this time omitting the Celtic badge and registered trademark number.

EIGHTH MARK (January 1993-December 1998)

The trademarks color is changed to blue and the words "Co. Fermanagh" are returned to the ribbon (which also includes the text "Ireland") for the first time since 1965. Overall the trademark is considerably smaller than Belleek's trademarks of the past.

NINTH MARK (January 1997-December 1999)

The mark is still blue in color but is enlarged from the eighth mark (more in keeping with marks of the past) and the ribbon reading "Co. Fermanagh Ireland" is omitted altogether this time. In its place, the year Belleek's pottery was established is added in the text "Est. 1857."

TENTH MARK (2000)

Belleek's nod to the arrival of the new Millennium. The ninth mark here (now in black) has been modified to include the word "Ireland" again (under "Est. 1857") and the text "Millennium 2000" crowns the mark.

ELEVENTH MARK (2001-Present)

In every respect the same as the "millennium mark above," but now green in color, and with the text "Millennium 2000" omitted. The only difference between the eleventh mark and the ninth mark now (apart from color) is the inclusion of the word "Ireland" in the eleventh mark.

BELLEEK COLLECTORS' INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY SPECIAL MARKS

The details of the mark may change, but so far other than the earliest marks in the 1970s it's always in red, and with the addition of the words "Belleek Collectors Society." Special items produced annually in limited editions for members of the Belleek Collectors' International Society are often reproductions of favored and rare pieces from the past, and are each individually numbered in gold.