Crested ware was first produced by W. H. Goss and Co. of Stoke on Trent in 1888, the company having gained permission from UK towns to reproduce their arms on miniature porcelain pieces. Public tastes changed in the 1930s and by the early 1940s most production had ceased.

During its heyday crested ware was an immense success, due to the popularity of souvenir collecting brought about by expansion of the railways and the introduction of bank holidays in 1871. It is said that by 1910, 95% of homes had crested china on their mantelpiece. As a result, other companies, such as Arcadian, Crescent, Carlton, Grafton, Queens, Shelley and Swan launched their own ranges of crested ware.

Legacy Antiques and Collectibles Ltd stocks a small but choice selection of crested items by a number of different factories.