Figurines: Royal Crown Derby "Harvest Mouse"

In the world of Royal Crown Derby, the stopper is the primary indicator of quality and significantly impacts the figurines' value.

The "Stopper" Grading System acts as a factory grade, telling you how the piece performed during its final quality inspection.

1. Gold, First Quality. These pieces met every strict factory standard. They are the most desirable for serious collectors and command the full market price.
2. Silver, Second Quality. These are "factory seconds" with minor, often imperceptible flaws (like a tiny paint smudge or glaze bubble). They typically sell for 20% to 50% less than gold-stoppered versions.
3. White Porcelain, Third Quality. Early Production, a brief, unpopular experimental phase. These are rarer but sometimes less preferred by collectors who like the iconic "gold button" look.
4. No Stopper, Ungraded / Damaged. Collectors often avoid these, fearing they are seconds being "passed off" as firsts. Missing a stopper can devalue a common piece like the Harvest Mouse by R300 – R500.