Identify the outside pattern style of the ceramic. Make notes about it so that you can get an idea of who the maker could be by pattern similarities.
Visit the local public library and search through collector's identification and value guides for registered service marks of ceramics makers. If the library has books on the style of ceramic that you are trying to identify check them out. If the books are available at a different library, ask the librarian to order them for you and to notify you when they come in.
Borrow the registered service mark ceramic identification and value guide from the library. If the guide is not available at the library, use the references and resources listed below to search for a collector's ceramic hallmark identification and value guide. Purchase the value guides.
Examine the outside pattern and glaze on the ceramic pottery that you are trying to identify. Page through the guides and look for any of the colors, pattern styles and glazes that match or look similar to those on your piece of ceramic pottery.
Turn the piece of ceramic pottery upside down, gently. Look for any stamped initials, figures or symbols on the bottom of the ceramic pottery piece. Make notes about the symbol, draw an exact diagram of it or write down the name or initials on the bottom of it. Gently set the ceramic pottery piece back down.
Look in the collector's identification books' references, tables of contents, and index areas to see if you can locate a symbol or hallmark that is similar to the one that is on the bottom of your ceramic pottery piece. Write down any identifying information about your ceramic pottery piece and value ranges that are listed in the book. Pay attention to grades that may be listed.