Quality


	When Royal Crown Derby first introduced their paperweights in September 1981, before they left the factory they were filled with sand and a small simulated gold stopper was inserted in the hole in the base. This practice fell into disfavour for several reasons (including higher transportation costs and the infringement of Health and Safety Legislation) consequently the sand was left out but gold stoppers continued to be used to plug the hole in the base.

		In the early part of 1984 the amount of clay used was increased to make the paperweights more robust and the gold stopper was replaced with a permanently fixed ceramic stopper marked with the Royal Crown Derby cipher and a hole next to it left open to prevent the piece exploding in the kiln. This move proved unpopular with collectors so the gold stopper was reintroduced during the latter part of 1984, early 1985 and has continued to be in current production

Royal Crown Derby release two grades of paperweight: First and Second quality. First quality weights have the gold coloured stopper (which can vary in shade) and the Second quality have silver coloured stoppers and may have the RCD cipher scratched through. It may be very difficult for the layman to spot the difference between First and Second quality items, stoppers apart, but the majority of serious collectors will only buy First quality items.


	Models introduced with the ceramic stopper during 1981: Duck (1997), Owl (1992), Penguin (1992), Quail (1991), Rabbit, Wren Introduced during 1983: Fox (1987), Frog (1997), Hedgehog (1987), Pheasant (1998), Seal (1987), Turtle (1998) Introduced 1985-1987: Cat, Harvest Mouse (1994), Snail (1991) (Year in brackets is year of withdrawal)