Collectors of Beatrix Potter figures often seek figurines as part of their collections. Many times, they considered the gold sticker being the prize to look for. Yet, this may not be the best way of seeking the rare and valuable. In many situations, you will want to look for the brown back stamps, as these are much rarer. This is especially true when you are seeking figures by Beswick. Beswick figurines are some of the most sought after antique figures. If you are looking to start your collection or if you have a collection and want to know a bit more about Beswick Beatrix Potter figures, read on.

A brief History of Beswick

Beswick Pottery was established in 1894 under J.W. Beswick (James Wright Beswick and sons). And although the name and ownership have changed over the years, the collectables have not. Founded in London, the pottery did not transition into figurines until the 1940s. They introduced farm animals. In 1947, Beswick could secure a contract for 10 of the Beatrix Potter Book’s characters. The first character was Jemina Puddle-Duck. They produced regularly characters after.

But what makes these figures so sought after? Is it just the dating? We think not.

A tie to childhood

The Beatrix Potter books are some of the most beloved tales of all time. The stories, featuring Peter Rabbit and his friends, have been read in homes since they came to market in 1902. Recently, the success of the books has sparked CG (Computer Generated) movies from the characters. Though the introduction to the screen is not new as there have been several renditions of the tales. The popularity has made the characters iconic to childhoods across the globe. It is for this reason that we believe may seek the Beswick Pottery of Beatrix Potter.

While the childhood association plays a role in the demand for the figures, it is also for the rarity of the figures. Understanding what to look for will help you in building your Beatrix Potter collection.

Establishing the base value

When looking at antique figures, one thing to look for is crazing. Crazing cracks are the hairlines that you may find in porcelain figures. This is a normal event which occurs to figurines of age. They are not the same thing as chips and fractures, which would diminish the overall value. Look at the figurine for well-painted details. The figurines which are worth the most are those which are free from chips, cracks and too much crazing. Look also for brown back stamps, as previously mentioned, as these are rarer.

BP1, the oldest of the Beatrix Potter figurines

Every artist has a way in which they identify their work. For the Beatrix Potter series by Beswick, this is the BP label. The earliest of the labels is the BP1. These figurines include the first 10 which were commissioned in 1948. The BP should be found on the base of the model in a golden circle. Only figurines which were produced between 1948 and 1954 should have this label. These figures are:

Jemima Puddleduck

Peter Rabbit

Tom Kitten

Timmy Tiptoes

Squierrel Nutkin

Mrs. Cottentale

Foxy Whiskered Gentlemen

Hunca Munca

Johnny Townmouse

Lady Mouse

Miss Moppet

Mr. Jeremy Fisher

Mrs. Rabbit

Ribby

Timmy Willie

Should you find the BP label on any other figures, check the number as it could be from a different series. You may find figures from this time which are not specifically Beatrix Potter but bear the name Beswick. Specifically, these will be the Disney figures commissioned in 1952, which include Snow White, Mickey Mouse, and Bambi.

B2, the mid series

They produced the middle series of the Beatrix Potter figurines from 1955 to 1972. The stamp creates the words Beswick of England and has the BP2 inside. For the second generation models, the label will be a mixture of gold and brown. The Beatrix potter is in gold and the remaining words are in brown. Figurines made during the second series are primarily dated from 1955 to 1971. It is rare to find a model created between 71 and 72.

B3 the last generation

Last of the figurines produced for the Beatrix Potter series are the B3s. These figurines have Beswick and England on the label with the addition of the word copyright. They are not dated. There is a line stating that they are Beatrix Potter. There is more information on this stamp than on other series, making them easy to identify. Character’s names are in quotations on the label. Certain figures which were created under the F Warne and Co Ltd label may have the copyright date within the stamp. As this is the last generation and as they were produced in abundance, these are not as rare as the other series.

Find the figures you desire

Regardless of the size of your collection, you can find a Beatrix Potter figures on our site. Not sure what to look for or where to start? Do not worry. Simply send us an email and we will be happy to assist you in finding the perfect figurine.