Royal Doulton HN Numbers Database: Complete Guide & Directory

The HN numbering system is the key to identifying and valuing Royal Doulton figurines. This comprehensive database guide will help you understand HN numbers, identify your figurines, and discover their significance in the collecting world.

Understanding the HN Numbering System

What Does "HN" Stand For?

The "HN" designation honors Harry Nixon, Royal Doulton's manager who oversaw the introduction of figurines in 1913. Every Royal Doulton figurine receives a unique HN number, making identification and cataloging possible for collectors worldwide.

How HN Numbers Work

Sequential Assignment: HN numbers were assigned chronologically as figurines were introduced, starting with HN1 in 1913.

Number Ranges by Era:

HN1-HN500 (1913-1938): The golden age of Royal Doulton
HN501-HN1000 (1921-1949): Expansion period
HN1001-HN2000 (1931-1967): Mid-century classics
HN2001-HN3000 (1948-1982): Post-war productions
HN3001-HN4000 (1978-1995): Modern era begins
HN4001+ (1990-present): Contemporary productions

Note: Date ranges overlap as figurines were often in production for many years

Early HN Numbers: The Most Valuable (HN1-HN500)

HN1-HN100: The Pioneers (1913-1920)

HN1 - "Darling" (1913)

Significance: The very first HN number
Current Value: $3,000-$5,000 CAD
Rarity: Extremely rare, museum quality

HN2 - "Sweet and Twenty" (1913)

Designer: Leslie Harradine
Value Range: $2,500-$4,000 CAD
Note: Only produced for a few years

HN22 - "The Lavender Woman" (1913)

Value: $3,000+ CAD in excellent condition
Rarity: One of the most sought-after early pieces
Variations: Multiple colorways exist

HN57 - "Curtsey" (1916)

Designer: E.W. Light
Current Value: $1,500-$2,500 CAD
Collecting Note: Popular with serious collectors

HN71 - "The Jester" (1917)

Value: $2,000-$4,000 CAD
Rarity: Extremely limited production
Significance: One of the first character figures

HN101-HN300: The Golden Era (1918-1928)

HN142 - "Polly Peachum" (1918)

Series: Beggar's Opera characters
Value: $800-$1,500 CAD
Variations: Three different colorways

HN203 - "The Goose Girl" (1920)

Designer: Leslie Harradine
Value Range: $1,200-$2,000 CAD
Rarity: Limited production run

HN245 - "The Balloon Woman" (1922)

Current Value: $1,500-$2,500 CAD
Significance: Classic street vendor figure
Condition Sensitivity: Balloons often damaged

HN309 - "Dateless" (1918)

Value: $1,000-$1,800 CAD
Designer: Leslie Harradine
Note: Early ladies series piece

HN301-HN500: Expansion Period (1922-1938)

HN319 - "A Geisha" (1918)

First Version Value: $1,200-$2,000 CAD
Later Versions: $600-$1,000 CAD
Variations: Multiple costume colorways

HN420 - "The Curtsey" (1920)

Value: $800-$1,400 CAD
Significance: Revised version of HN57
Market: Strong Canadian collector interest

HN484 - "Lady with Shawl" (1921)

Current Value: $900-$1,600 CAD
Rarity: Medium-rare
Condition Issues: Shawl details often chipped

Character Series HN Numbers: Highly Collectible

Dickens Characters

HN88 - "Artful Dodger" (1918)

Value: $1,500-$2,500 CAD
Series: Dickens characters
Rarity: First version, extremely rare

HN546 - "The Carpenter" (1922)

Value: $800-$1,400 CAD
Series: Dickens characters
Note: Popular with Canadian collectors

HN684 - "Tony Weller" (1924-1938)

Value: $800-$1,500 CAD
Significance: One of the most famous Dickens figures
Condition: Often found with damage to hat or pipe

HN744 - "Oliver Twist" (1925-1949)

Value: $600-$1,200 CAD
Production: Long production run
Collecting Note: Forms part of complete Dickens set

Shakespeare Characters

HN79 - "Shylock" (1917-1938)

Value: $1,200-$2,200 CAD
Rarity: Limited production
Significance: Early Shakespeare series

HN598 - "Hamlet" (1924-1949)

Value: $800-$1,500 CAD
Variations: Costume color differences
Market: Strong collector demand

Mid-Range HN Numbers: The Collecting Sweet Spot (HN501-HN2000)

Popular Ladies Series

HN728 - "A Victorian Lady" (1925-1952)

Value: $100-$200 CAD
Production: Long-running favorite
Market: Consistent collector interest

HN1234 - "The Belle" (1927-1938)

Value: $800-$1,400 CAD
Designer: Leslie Harradine
Rarity: Shorter production run

HN1704 - "Greta" (1935-1953)

Value: $300-$600 CAD
Style: Art Deco influence
Market: Growing collector interest

Children and Family Groups

HN1679 - "Tinkle Bell" (1935-1975)

Value: $25-$50 CAD
Series: Popular children's figure
Production: Very long run

HN1768 - "Sunshine Girl" (1936-1975)

Value: $200-$400 CAD
Appeal: Cheerful childhood theme
Market: Consistent demand

Modern HN Numbers: Contemporary Collectibles (HN2001+)

Post-War Productions (HN2001-HN3000)

HN2309 - "Buttercup" (1964-2002)

Value: $40-$80 CAD
Production: Very long run
Market: Entry-level collecting

HN2440 - "Viking" (1973-1976)

Value: $75-$100 CAD
Rarity: Short production run
Appeal: Character figure popularity

Limited Editions and Special Issues

HN3000 - "Millennium Figurine" (2000)

Value: $200-$400 CAD
Significance: Commemorative piece
Market: Modern collectible

HN3400+ Series - "Prestige Figures"

Value Range: $500-$2,500 CAD
Features: Higher quality, limited production
Market: Serious collector focus

Using HN Numbers for Identification

Where to Find HN Numbers

Primary Locations:

Stamped into base: Most common location
Painted under glaze: Earlier pieces
Incised before firing: Some early examples
Paper labels: Occasional on vintage pieces

What If There's No HN Number?

Alternative Identifications:

M numbers: Model numbers (pre-HN system)
D numbers: Design numbers
Name only: Some early character pieces
Series marks: Character series designations

Authentication Tips

Genuine HN Markings:

Clear, well-formed numbers
Consistent with known production periods
Match official Royal Doulton records

Warning Signs of Reproductions:

Fuzzy or poorly formed numbers
HN numbers that don't match known figurines
Modern-looking bases on "vintage" pieces
Inconsistent backstamp information

Canadian Market HN Number Trends

Most Sought After in Canada

High-Value Categories:

HN1-500: Premium prices for any condition
Character series: Military figures are especially popular
Large ladies figures: HN1000-2000 range
Animal figures: Consistent demand for large size pieces

Regional Preferences:

Victorian themes: Strong in Eastern Canada
Western themes: Popular in Alberta/BC
Character figures: Universal appeal
Children's figures: Family collecting trends are low

Investment Potential by HN Range

Best Long-Term Investment (HN1-500):

Consistent appreciation
Museum-quality pieces
Limited supply increases value

Stable Collectibles (HN501-2000):

Steady demand
Reasonable entry prices
Good condition critical

Speculative Modern (HN2001+):

Limited editions show promise
Large production runs less valuable
Quality and rarity key factors

HN Number Database Research Tools

Official Resources

Royal Doulton International Collectors Club:

Comprehensive HN database
Production dates and variations
Designer information

Seaway China Company:

Detailed HN listings
High market values
Rarity assessments

Reliable Secondary Sources

Royal Doulton Figurines by Desmond Eyles:

Complete HN listings through 1978
Historical production information
Designer biographies

Online Databases:

Replacements.com
LiveAuctioneers completed sales

Warning: Unreliable Sources

Avoid:

Wikipedia (often incomplete/incorrect)
General antique sites without specialization
Price guides older than 3-5 years
Current eBay listings (use completed sales only)

Professional HN Number Identification Service

William Cross Expertise: With decades of experience in Royal Doulton collecting, William Cross offers professional HN number identification and valuation services for Canadian collectors.

Services Include:

HN number verification and authentication
Production date identification
Rarity assessment and current market values
Condition evaluation using industry standards
Insurance appraisal documentation

Why Professional Identification Matters:

Reproductions and fakes exist
Variations within HN numbers affect value
Condition assessment requires expertise
Canadian market values differ from international guides

Getting Started with HN Numbers

Building Your Knowledge

Start Simple:

Learn to locate HN numbers on your pieces
Research 3-5 of your figurines thoroughly
Join collector groups and forums
Attend shows and auctions to see pieces firsthand
Build relationships with knowledgeable dealers

Avoid Common Mistakes:

Don't assume higher HN numbers mean less value
Condition matters more than age for most pieces
Production variations within HN numbers exist
Canadian market prices may differ from guides

Contact William Cross for HN Number Help

Free Initial Consultation: Send clear photos of your figurines' bases and we'll help identify HN numbers and provide preliminary valuations.

Professional Services Available:

Complete collection cataloging
Authentication verification
Insurance appraisal documentation
Market value assessments
Purchase consultations for serious collectors

Contact Information:

Email: [your email address]
Phone: [your phone number]
Serving collectors across Canada

Conclusion: HN Numbers Unlock Value

Understanding HN numbers is essential for any Royal Doulton collector or owner. These unique identifiers provide the key to authentication, valuation, and appreciation of these beautiful ceramic works of art.

Whether you own a rare early HN1 piece or a modern limited edition, knowing your figurine's HN number opens the door to understanding its place in Royal Doulton history and its value in today's collecting market.

Need help identifying your Royal Doulton figurines? Contact William Cross today for expert HN number identification and professional valuation services tailored to the Canadian market.

William Cross maintains one of Canada's most comprehensive Royal Doulton databases, with detailed records of HN numbers, production variations, and current market values. Trust our expertise for accurate identification and honest valuations.