What is a porcelain mark?
What is a porcelain mark?
Porcelain marks are the fingerprints of antique china. For any piece of fine china, the porcelain mark is a symbol of pride in the manufacturer’s workmanship. It is intended to instill confidence in the buyer, and inspire a sense of loyalty in the heart of the satisfied collector.
What do the numbers mean on West German pottery?
If you inspect the bottom of a West German vase or pot, you are likely to find a series of numbers – usually three digits followed by a dash and then two digits. The first three digits indicate the vase design or run in the factory. The final two digits are the vase’s height to the nearest centimetre.
How can you tell if a plate is porcelain?
Tips for Determining Type If you can see a lot of light coming through the piece, you most likely have china with bone ash in it. Examine the color. Noritake also notes that the color of bone china tends to be more ivory than white. If your piece is pure white, it is more likely to be hard or soft porcelain.
What kind of vase is Wunsiedel Bavaria?
Wunsiedel Bavaria Op Art relief white porcelain Vase, height 21 cm. West Germany 1960s / 1970s Mid Century Modern. German Set of 21 “Wunsiedel” Coffee / Tea Set – Bavaria Porcelain – Pink Roses / Floral Decor – Made in Germany.
How can I find out how old a porcelain mark is?
The specialized source for German, Bohemian and Austrian porcelain marks is by Rontgen. This comprehensive book has pictures of the marks from 1710 to 1981 and gives the dates of use. Take a copy of the mark or a piece of the porcelain or china to a collectibles show or a mall specializing in collectibles and antiques.
How do I identify Bavarian porcelain?
This history is important to understanding the marks on Bavarian porcelain and china, as some of the Germany backstamps are also Bavarian china. Check the mark on the bottom of the china. Porcelain and china from Bavaria made for the export trade to the United States will be marked in English.
Why are some porcelain backstamps marked in German?
Those not made for export or those made for export to German-speaking countries will be marked in German. Many of the backstamps reflect the city of origin. Arzberg, Bayreuth, Schwarzenbach, Selb and Tettau are Bavarian porcelain-producing cities.
