Price Guide to Antiques & Collectables
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Belleek (Ireland) honey pots

The Belleek porcelain factory was founded in County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland about 1849, after landowner John Caldwell Bloomfield inherited his father's estate, and undertaking a geological survey, discovered the area was rich in minerals.

Bloomfield went into partnership with a London architect and a Dublin merchant and set up a pottery business to provide work for the tenant farmers whose lives had been decimated by the Irish potato famine.

The construction of the pottery commenced in 1858, and it included a railway line to the works, so coal could be delivered for the kilns.

The company commenced producing domestic wares, but it wasn't until 1863 that small quantities of the translucent ivory-looking porcelain for which Belleek is famous, were produced.

Belleek was popular with Queen Victoria and was displayed at the great 19th century exhibitions, and enjoyed a large export market.

Typical Belleek items include figures, more... vases, dishes, eggshell-thin tea services, and baskets, often with delicate open lattice-work. Marine motifs were commonly used including Neptune, shells, seaweed, mermaids, dolphins and coral and wares.

The history of the factory's output can be identified by the type and colour of the marks. A black mark was in use from 1863 to 1946 and this was superseded by a green mark. The green mark continued in use until 1980, and this was followed by a series of colours used for only short periods: gold from 1980 to 1992; dark blue from 1993 to 1996; light blue from 1997 to 1999; black again in 2000; green from 2001 to 2006; black in 2007 and then brown from 2008 onwards.

The company has changed ownership a number of times since 1884, by which time the three original owners had died, and is currently owned by Irish born American entrepreneur, Dr George G. Moore. Belleek has rebranded from the ornamental porcelain with shamrocks for which it is famous to more commercial everyday pottery through its Belleek Living range.

When buying, condition should always be checked, as Belleek objects are easily damaged due to the delicacy of the designs. less...

6 items found.
Belleek antique Irish porcelain beehive honey pot with lid,…
19th Century Belleek Irish Porcelain Beehive Honey Pot with Lid

Belleek antique Irish porcelain beehive honey pot with lid, 19th century, black factory mark to base, 6.30 in. high

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Belleek 2nd black mark honey pot and cover, 1891-1926, of…
Belleek Black Mark Beehive Honey Pot & Cover

Belleek 2nd black mark honey pot and cover, 1891-1926, of beehive form, decorated with shamrock and bees, raised on three feet, a/f (repair), height 6.30 in.

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Five pieces Belleek tableware including cream jug, milk jug,…
Belleek Green Mark Tableware Set

Five pieces Belleek tableware including cream jug, milk jug, sugar bowl, lidded honey pot, and a butter dish, second version green mark to bases.

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Victorian first period Belleek honey pot, stamped to base with…
Victorian Belleek Honey Pot with Bee and Shamrock Decoration

Victorian first period Belleek honey pot, stamped to base with Belleek black first version mark (1863-1891). Lidded honey pot, tri-footed, bee and shamrock decorated. Height 6.30 in. (total)

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Belleek plate, milk jug, sugar bowl and honey pot, all with…
Belleek Green Mark Set

Belleek plate, milk jug, sugar bowl and honey pot, all with green mark

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A Belleek grass pattern honey pot. First black mark, the cover…
Belleek Grass Honey Pot with Bees

A Belleek grass pattern honey pot. First black mark, the cover with moulded bees on square feet. 5.91 in. high.

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