Size Matters!

How to measure the size of tableware pieces, is the subject of conversation that comes up surprisingly often here at MrPottery HQ. After all, you want to make sure you are buying the right size piece to complete your set. It can be particularly tricky with older designs, which were made when production runs were much longer, and resulted in potteries changing the shape from time to time.

How you measure it is really up to you. As for the potteries, well they each seem to have their own versions, along with their own names for pieces.

So, how do we measure up?

Plates and saucers

This is the simplest of all. We measure the diameter of the piece.

Bowls

Generally we measure just the diameter. Sometimes, when we know or suspect there are variations in shape we will measure the height of the piece as well.

Jugs

Sometimes we will measure the height of the rim. We will always measure the capacity.

Open Serving Ware

We measure the height and diameter of the piece, from rim to rim. For oblong and oval serving pieces we will measure width and length. If a piece includes handles we will often include the length with and without handles.

Closed Serving Ware

We measure the diameter of the piece, from rim to rim. For oblong and oval serving pieces we will measure width and length. If a piece includes handles we will often include the length with and without handles. We also measure the height to rim without the lid, and the height to the tallest point with the lid. We will also measure capacity. 

Teapots & Coffee Pots

We measure the height to rim without the lid, and the height to the tallest point with the lid. We will also measure capacity. 

Condiments

We measure the height of the piece to the tallest point.

Units

We list all pieces in inches and centimetres rounding to the nearest 1/2 cm or 1/4 inch.

Capacity is listed in pints, rounding to the nearest 1/4 pint.