"Bute" or "common-shape" cups were produced  by at least 20 different potteries in Britain during the early growth of the china industry in the period from about 1780 to 1820.  Few makers  put identifying marks on the base of their cups, but many can be identified by features like handle shapes. Here are some examples.

Features used to trace factories are: Marks on the base (uncommon), Handle shapes (perhaps the most useful feature after marks because they were cast in moulds), Pattern numbers on the base (only used by some makers), Decoration, Body (hard-paste, bone-china, colour, crazing, translucency, etc), Shape of cup and base (thickness of the cup walls, depth of cavity under base).  This colour indicates confident identification. In most cases identification is tentative!

Marks are found on cups made by Caughley, Davenport, Derby, Miles Mason, Minton, Spode, Wedgwood and others. Click on the picture to see examples.

 Handle shapes are shown below.  Handles were made in moulds so are quite consistent. Distinguishing their fine points is important as some types can guide us quickly to the maker. Click on picture to see the varieties within each broad type. Click on "French" + others for more angular shapes or handles that are unlike any picture. White arrows indicate distinguishing features.