55 in diamond mark Please help with ID

by **Redware** January 14th 2013, 4:20 pm

I'm having problems with finding any reference to the mark at the bottom of this Jug Shrugs

as you can see there is number 55 and letter M on the bottom of the jug.
It looks like it was firstly glazed, then painted blue, green, red flower and yellow. The golden paint was possibly applied later in form of spray but I'm not sure.
The jug is almost 7'' (17cm) tall.
Any help would be mostly appreciated.
55 in diamond mark Please help with ID Img_9317

55 in diamond mark Please help with ID Img_9317

55 in diamond mark Please help with ID Img_9318

55 in diamond mark Please help with ID Img_9324

55 in diamond mark Please help with ID Img_9325

by **Potty** January 14th 2013, 4:30 pm

I would think it's Wadeheath made probably in the 1930's, Art Deco in style.

Does look over-painted, but I expect this was done by a Wade decorator and is original.

by **Potty** January 14th 2013, 4:32 pm

I think 55 would be the shape/mould number for that jug.

by **Redware** January 14th 2013, 4:39 pm

Thank you for your time and help Potty.

by **Potty** January 14th 2013, 5:34 pm

I've just had a closer look at the decoration (first look was just brief), it does look like the gold paint may have been added later, but the colours under the gold I believe to be the original decoration.

It may be possible to remove the gold without damaging the original decoration, but you would need to be very careful and take your time, also if you do try, don't use anything too abrasive.

Personally I would try rubbing with a damp piece of kitchen roll first, to see if any comes off.

by **NaomiM** January 14th 2013, 6:15 pm

You could try soaking it in warm soapy water first, in the hope that will soften the overpaint.

by **Potty** January 14th 2013, 6:18 pm

NaomiM wrote:You could try soaking it in warm soapy water first, in the hope that will soften the overpaint.

With this jug it may be best to start small, as the "real decoration" is also over-painted and could easily come off as well. But it original paint I would expect to be more durable than the gold spray.

by **Redware** January 15th 2013, 4:38 pm

I have used a scalpel, cotton pad and pure alcohol and it worked perfectly. All the paint came off after 2 hours of rubbing but the final effect is great. I have managed to leave the original painting untouched.

Thank you NaomiM and Potty. Most Excellent

by **Potty** January 15th 2013, 6:11 pm

Good job, may we see the "after" pictures please? Happy

by **Redware** January 15th 2013, 6:38 pm

No problem, the pictures are not very clear but you probably can see the difference. Only bad point is that the paint was covering a small crack going around the bottom part of the handle Sad