FAIR Ceramics Photo Checklist

How to Photograph a Porcelain Sauceboat and Undertray for Appraisal

Direct answer

To photograph a porcelain sauceboat and undertray for appraisal, show the pair assembled first, then photograph each part separately: foot fit, tray reserve, underside marks, backstamps, impressed numbers, wear, repairs, and any evidence that the tray may be associated rather than original.

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How to Photograph a Porcelain Sauceboat and Undertray for Appraisal - FAIR online appraisal guide illustration
How to Photograph a Porcelain Sauceboat and Undertray for Appraisal - FAIR online appraisal guide illustration
Decision guide

When checklist work prevents rework

Checklist pages are meant to improve the intake file. Better photos and notes help the appraiser decide scope, risk, and whether a formal report is justified.

When checklist work prevents rework
Situation Formal appraisal? Why it matters
You are still identifying the object Prepare first Photos, measurements, marks, condition notes, and provenance can change the next step.
The item may be valuable or disputed Often yes Condition, authenticity, completeness, and market evidence can materially affect value.
You only need better intake photos Not yet Use the checklist before asking for a quote so the appraiser can scope accurately.
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Start with the assembled pair

The first question is whether the sauceboat and tray behave like a real pair. FAIR needs to see them together before marks and details are isolated.

  • Photograph the sauceboat on the undertray from the front, both sides, rear, top, and a low profile angle.
  • Take one overhead image showing whether the foot sits centered inside the tray reserve or molded well.
  • Do not press, twist, or wedge the sauceboat into place just to make the fit look better.
Show the foot fit

Poor fit is often the first sign of a married or associated undertray. Make the contact points visible.

  • Photograph the foot while it rests on the tray so gaps, rocking, overhang, or leaning can be seen.
  • Lift the sauceboat only if safe, then photograph the full footring, unglazed edge, chips, ground areas, and wear pattern.
  • Photograph the empty tray well after removal so the appraiser can compare it with the sauceboat foot.
Photograph reserve alignment

A tray can match the pattern loosely but still be wrong for the sauceboat. The overhead view helps show whether the decoration was designed for that form.

  • Take a straight overhead image with handle, spout, border, and tray reserve visible.
  • Show handle clearance, spout projection, border spacing, gilt width, cartouches, and molded edge shape.
  • If the reserve is off-center, too large, too small, or oriented differently, note that as a possible mismatch.
Photograph marks separately

A marked sauceboat does not prove the tray belongs. Each part needs its own underside record.

  • Photograph the full underside of the sauceboat and the full underside of the undertray.
  • Add close-ups of backstamps, impressed numbers, painter marks, retailer marks, pattern codes, and labels.
  • If marks conflict or one part is unmarked, say that plainly in the intake note.
Show wear and condition on both parts

Wear, paste tone, glaze, gilding, and repairs can show whether the parts have lived together.

  • Compare footrim dirt, gilt rub, enamel saturation, scratches, paste tone, and glaze color.
  • Photograph chips, hairlines, regilding, filled rim flakes, old repairs, and contact wear on each component.
  • Use terms like associated undertray or suspected married tray when the evidence is uncertain.
Common questions
  • Should I photograph the sauceboat and undertray together or separately? Both. Start with assembled views, then photograph the sauceboat and undertray separately so fit, marks, wear, and condition can be compared.
  • Do porcelain undertrays have their own backstamps? Often they do. The undertray may have its own printed mark, impressed number, decorator mark, retailer stamp, pattern code, or no mark.
  • What does poor foot fit mean? It means the sauceboat rocks, leans, overhangs, bridges the tray well, or contacts the tray awkwardly. That can suggest an associated tray.
  • Why does reserve alignment matter? The painted or molded reserve often shows where the sauceboat was meant to sit. Misalignment can point to a tray from another form or pattern run.
  • Can FAIR appraise a sauceboat with a mismatched undertray? Usually yes, but it should be scoped honestly as a sauceboat with an associated or suspected married undertray, not a confirmed complete pair.
  • Should I remove a stuck sauceboat from its undertray? No. Do not force separation. Photograph the assembly as found and tell FAIR that the parts may be stuck or unsafe to handle.
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