By 1916, Roseville introduced a systematic method of assigning shape numbers by shape family. Until 1936, the shape numbers were seldom indicated on the actual pottery. Many can be found by studying the shape lists inBassett's Roseville Prices and the catalog pages in Understanding Roseville Pottery and Jack and Nancy Bomm's Roseville in All Its Splendor.

For items that do not appear in those books, shape numbers can be identified only by locating an example marked at the factory with a pencil, crayon, or inkstamp notation. You can help! If you find a compote marked with a shape number whose line is not identified below or in the "Fern Dishes" list, please contact Mark Bassett.

1-6" = Rozane Line
2-8" = Rozane Line
3-8" = Rosecraft
4-10" = Rosecraft
5-8" = Lustre
6-10" = Lustre
7-10" = Lustre
8-6" = Lustre
9-9" = Donatello
10-5" = Rosecraft
11-8" = Rosecraft
12-8" = Volpato
13-10" = Volpato
14-4" = Volpato, or Savona
14-8" = Early Rosecraft
15-8" = Corinthian
16 = Unknown
17-8" = Florentine

1 = Unknown
2-5.5" = Volpato
6-4" = Florentine
7 = Florentine
8-7" = Hexagon
9-3" = Vintage
 

In 1936, Roseville began marking pieces with permanent (either impressed or raised) shape numbers. Examples from older lines that bear impressed or raised shape numbers were made in 1936 (or later).

1-10" = Bushberry
2-10" = Foxglove
3-10" = Peony
4-10" = Peony
5-10" = Magnolia
6-10" = Clematis
7-10" = Freesia
8-10" = Zephyr Lily

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© 2002 Mark Bassett
Updated 04/02/02