My Vintage Porcelain Collection
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Collecting Porcelain - A Glimpse at My Collection
I started selling on Ruby Lane and their guidelines suggest that I explain and have information on anything I sell. In doing my research for the items I was selling, I found out fascinating information on identifying porcelain. I have a list of resources I am going to share with you.
Included are both pieces from my personal porcelain collection, as well as those from my shop to give you a wide variety of porcelain to look at.
Whether you decide to start a porcelain collection; or want to identify what you have in the house; or want to shop auctions for pieces to sell; I believe this lens will have valuable information for you.
The more you get into it, the more interesting it is -- that is what I found. Even if you do not want to get into it, looking at the pretty pieces is enjoyable and relaxing.
All images ©E. Gregory
Porcelain vs. Pottery
When porcelain is held to the light it is translucent. Pottery is opaque.
Porcelain is stronger than pottery.
Bone China is porcelain. It has some animal bone ash in the mix of the clay used.
A porcelain collection may be anything you want it to be
The choice is yours.
- You could collect everything by one manufacturer -- all Royal Worcester or Spode.
- You could collect all around one color -- a lot of collections are formed around blue and white porcelain.
- You could collect everything from every manufacturer with one item --- cats, roses, violets.
- Maybe you would like to just collect Oriental or German porcelain.
- A collection of figurines is nice. You could narrow it to all shoes, or dogs, or frogs.
- Another idea is to collect all of one thing: snuff boxes, hatpin holders, pitchers, etc.
Porcelain Marks
See the links to porcelain identification sites below.
Schumann/Bavaria
Royal Dresdener Compote Dish
It was made by Porzellanfabrik Carl Schumann A.G. a porcelain factory which existed using this name from 1923 - 1994). The porcelain mark on the bottom was used from 1923 to 1948.
Verify this or get more info at Porcelain Marks and More
The porcelain mark used by Schumann/Bavaria
What you are also looking at is the butterfly nut that unscrews the pedestal from the flat top plate.
Auctions are one place to purchase Carl Schumann porcelain
Use a resource such as PM&M's website to verify the pottery mark.
Then check one of the pricing sites listed below in this lens. Or, do an internet search to find other similar items for sale. Get a good idea of what you should pay for an item ahead of time.
Leuchtenburg Bowl
Made in Germany
This has been in our family for quite some time. It was my grandmother's.There is limited information on Leuchtenburg, it appears they were at one time either absorbed by, or a division of Lehmann & Sohn (Lehmann & Son). There is information on the internet, but it is in German. My German is sparse.
Leuchtenberg, Germany, Porcelain Mark
There is not much information on the Leuchtenburg porcerlain mark. For porcelain manufacturers, who have changed their marks over the years, we can often date the piece by which porcelain mark is on it.Some information is available at My Grannys Attic Antiques
More examples of Leuchtenberg pieces
Marks & Monograms on European and Oriental Pottery and Porcelain
If your porcelain has only a mark and no name on it. The first step is to identify the pottery or porcelain mark so you can identify the manufacturer.
Porcelain marks for a particular manufacturer change over the years. This is a way of dating your porcelain.
Marks & Monograms on European and Oriental Pottery and Porcelain
Amazon Price: $63.99 (as of 06/03/2012)
I have used this book many times and it is an invaluable resource.
Porcelain Mark Information
- Porcelain Site/
- Primarily German porcelain marks
- Porcelain Marks & More (PM&M)
- Very thorough information on German porcelain marks. Some info on British porcelain marking.
- My Granny's Attic Antiques
- Nice pictorial with porcelain marks.
- Gotheborg.com
- Excellent site for antique Chinese and Japanese porcelain
- Antique China Porcelain and Collectibles
- Many pictures of porcelain marks for identification
The Three Examples of Nippon That Follow Are Not Especially Pricey
"Nippon" refers only to the Japanese way of saying "Japan". It merely indicates that it was made in Japan. There are many different manufacturers who mark their china "Nippon". The quality and value varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Pieces were marked "Nippon" from 1891 to 1921.
Porcelain Nippon Mustard Jar
This piece was a wedding gift given to my mother in 1942.
Another example of Nippon Era Porcelain
This is a piece from my shop on Ruby Lane. It reminds me of a piece you would find in a bungalow during the Arts and Crafts period. This is the type of coloring and dish that I have seen in upscale vintage shops in the Adirondacks (upstate New York). The dish is 10 inches long and 8-3/4 inches wide. It stands about 1-1/2 inches tall.
Another example of Nippon
Or..porcelain made in Japan during the Nippon era
Nice little violet decorated tiered cheese dish
Nippon era porcelain available at auction sites.
Looking at similar items on the auction sites is another way to verify you are in the right price range when you bid. Do not base that estimate on the asking price. Some of those are over priced and will either never sell or take a long time -- until an uninformed person comes along.
Filter the pages by the auctions that are closing soonest, and look at the pieces people are bidding on and what they are bidding toward the end of the sale.
A Wonderful Resource For Nippon Information
Absolutely Beautiful Illustrations -- Great Coffee Table Book
These Are Museum Pieces of Porcelain
(I wish they were part of my personal porcelain collection, alas)
These porcelain examples are on display in the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, Connecticut. I photographed them on my last visit there.
Look at the level of detail in the museum pieces versus the pieces I own. The majority of these are warmers. A candle would go underneath to keep the pot above warm --- forerunner to a chafing dish I suspect.
Price, of course, goes up with the level of detail and the quality of workmanship of the pieces. Also, if a piece is one of a kind and/or commissioned by someone famous -- it has a history--the price goes up.
Porcelain
Porcelain was invented in China in the 7th Century
Andrea by Charles Sadek Candle Holder
Formerly Charles Sadek Import Company
The Charles Sadek Company is still operating. I am showing the Sadek "Y" porcelain mark in the upper left hand corner. The number is the design number.
This is an item I sold from my store on Ruby Lane. I hope the buyer is enjoying it.
Modern examples of Andrea by Sadek
Things that influence the value of your porcelain pieces
One or more of the following, may influence the value.
- If it is a quality piece. Some porcelain marks denote a manufacturer known for their quality for example Dresden.
- Age of the piece. Even some pieces that are worn are valuable if the wear is not unusual for its age. Of course, an older piece in excellent or mint condition is worth more than one that is worn.
- The level of detail in a particular piece. A simple vase may be worth less than an intricate figurine made by the same manufacturer. Look at the different Royal Bayreuth items.
- Scarcity or uniqueness. If for example it was a commissioned piece and there was only one made, the value goes way up. If the pattern is discontinued the may be less of those pieces available.
- Having all the pieces of a set, for example both candle holders and matching bowl.
- A history. It was commissioned by someone famous or for a famous event, such as a coronation or anniversary.
The Most Important Thing About Value is..........
Value is not always monetary.
Sontag & Maisel Floral Patterned Cup and Saucer
The porcelain mark (in the upper left corner) was used by Sontag & Maisel between 1882 - 1902.
The large "T" stands for Tettau, a municipality in Bavaria, West Germany known for it's porcelain manufacturers.
Information on how to determine the value of your porcelain
- Kovels
- To me, Kovels is the premier site for pricing information. It's free to register. They have more information on hatpin holders than any other site I found. Also, they are the best site for pricing Royal Bayreuth.
- Judith Miller's Price Guide
- Very informative website for pricing
- Replacements, Ltd.
- This is a site for finding replacement pieces for your china set or replacing porcelain pieces.
Once you identify your piece and the pattern or design, you can look it up in Replacements and see what they are selling it for. If you only know the manufacturer, you may still look it up on Replacements. Manufacturers are listed alphabetically. Then painstakingly go through their patterns one by one. (Takes patience).
Their prices are very, very high, however, it will give you an approximation.
Replacements will also buy china pieces from you, if you are looking to sell. - RubyLane
- Not an auction site, but a premier fixed price site for fine antiques, vintage and collectibles.
Do a search on your porcelain and see what it is being sold for. - Happy Memory Vintage on the Plaza
- This is my shop on Ruby Plaza. On Ruby Plaza, sellers are allowed to sell newer non-vintage items. I have several inexpensive pieces of porcelain here.
Do not place your fine porcelain in the metal plate holders with springs that hang on the wall.
The metal edges scratch the fine porcelain.
The spring action can also snap, cracking the plate.
Excellent Reference Material for Pricing
Aynsley Pembroke Egg
A relatively newer piece
Although discontinued, the Pembroke pattern is quite available
The Handbook of British Pottery & Porcelain Marks by Geoffrey R. Godden. Is an excellent reference book, with great illustrations of marks.
The book was originally published by Frederick A. Praeger Publishing, but is now out of print.
Find a copy in your library. Once in a while you may find a used copy on Amazon.com
For more examples of Aynsley patterns
- My Teacup Collection
- A lens of my teacup collection
Royal Bayreuth Hatpin Holder
Royal Bayreuth has a wide variety of patterns and pieces and they are in very different price ranges.
These hatpin holders were my grandmother's. I believe they were once part of a whole dresser set.
Reference Books on Royal Bayreuth
More examples of Royal Bayreuth
Some are quite affordable. Use a resource that identifies the different Royal Bayreuth porcelain marks used over the years. Some of the earlier marks are an indication of a pricier piece.
Furstenberg Bird Coasters
Made by Furstenberg, Germany. Furstenberg has been in business since 1747. These coasters are from the late 1970's - early 1980's.
The coasters are numbered on back 02649; 1 through 6. Each coaster has a 3-7/8 inch diameter.
Porcelain Moschendorf Factory, Bavaria
Also, information on using the marks to date the piece
The Porcelain Moschendorf Factory, Bavaria, Germany was in operation from c. 1904 - 1938. It is marked [green backstamp, PM with wreath and royal crown] This mark was used between 1895 and 1910.
CHECK OUT THE MOSCHENDORF FACTORY MARKS OVER THE YEARS -- SEE HOW YOU CAN DATE PORCELAIN BY THE MARK
Interesting story about this bowl.
My Mom had six small dessert dishes that matched this bowl. They were given to her by her great Aunt. Whenever my Mom served dessert in these dishes, she would always says "it's a shame Tante broke the big dish. Tante used to make Rote Grutze in the big bowl and dish it out in the little dishes."
My Mom and her great Aunt live in New York. One day I was wandering through a flea market in Connecticut and there was the large bowl. My Mom was so surprised when she opened her Mother's Day Gift and found this bowl.
(Tante means Aunt in German.)
Do not wash your porcelain in the dish washer
Porcelain Moschendorf Factory, Bavaria -These dessert dishes used to match the above bowl
Older pigments, paints and gilting were not made dishwasher safe.
Compare these dishes that were washed in the dishwasher to the bowl above. See how the iridescent border has faded?
Did you miss something?
Do you want to go back to review.
- Porcelain vs. Pottery
- A porcelain collection may be anything you want it to be
- Porcelain Marks
- Schumann/Bavaria
- The porcelain mark used by Schumann/Bavaria
- Auctions are one place to purchase Carl Schumann porcelain
- Leuchtenburg Bowl
- Leuchtenberg, Germany, Porcelain Mark
- More examples of Leuchtenberg pieces
- Marks & Monograms on European and Oriental Pottery and Porcelain
- Porcelain Mark Information
- The Three Examples of Nippon That Follow Are Not Especially Pricey
- Porcelain Nippon Mustard Jar
- Another example of Nippon Era Porcelain
- Another example of Nippon
- Nippon era porcelain available at auction sites.
- A Wonderful Resource For Nippon Information
- These Are Museum Pieces of Porcelain
- Porcelain
- Andrea by Charles Sadek Candle Holder
- Modern examples of Andrea by Sadek
- Things that influence the value of your porcelain pieces
- The Most Important Thing About Value is..........
- Sontag & Maisel Floral Patterned Cup and Saucer
- Information on how to determine the value of your porcelain
- Excellent Reference Material for Pricing
- For your convenience bookmark this
- Aynsley Pembroke Egg
- Although discontinued, the Pembroke pattern is quite available
- For more examples of Aynsley patterns
- Royal Bayreuth Hatpin Holder
- Reference Books on Royal Bayreuth
- More examples of Royal Bayreuth
- Furstenberg Bird Coasters
- Porcelain Moschendorf Factory, Bavaria
- Do not wash your porcelain in the dish washer
- Bookmark This Lens
- Please sign in and let me know you were here
- Some of my other lenses
- My Shops on Ruby Lane and Ruby Plaza
- Creative Commons
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JGracey
May 11, 2012 @ 4:05 pm | delete
- Pretty. I've always found the Bavarian porcelains to have the most beautifully detailed design work. Helpful information - I use Replacements to check some of the values for the pieces I have too.
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flycatcher
May 4, 2012 @ 10:47 am | delete
- Ooh, lovely Aynsley egg! I have a Pembroke teacup and saucer, my favourite Aynsley pattern.
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rachelscott
May 3, 2012 @ 5:13 am | delete
- Your collection is awesome.
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fanfreluche May 3, 2012 @ 2:54 am | delete
- I love your pages about your vintage stuff collections. You have nice porcelain piece, I love the Leuchtenburg Bowl a lot.
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JoanneOtt
May 2, 2012 @ 7:14 pm | delete
- I love porcelain. These are beautiful.
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- Load More
Some of my other lenses
My Shops on Ruby Lane and Ruby Plaza
- Happy Memory Vintage on the Plaza
- Vintage and new items. A wide variety.
Ruby Plaza will no longer exist after December 2012. Many items are reduced now. - Happy Memory Vintage
- Vintage and antique collectibles.
Creative Commons
My Vintage Porcelain Collection by Ellen L Gregory is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at www.squidoo.com.
All the photos of porcelain in my personal collection and from my shop on Ruby Plaza were taken by me and are covered by this Creative Commons License.
by LiteraryMind
Hi! I am a recently retired IT person.I vowed if I ever worked again,it would be something other than IT.
I started a shop on Ruby Lane HAPPY MEMORY VINTAGE...
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Store your important pieces carefully
Richards Homewares DLX/Micro Fiber 6pc Accssy Set
Amazon Price: $16.99 (as of 06/03/2012)
When your porcelain pieces are not on display, store them safely in your cabinets. Prevent minor chips and scratches. These fit all different shaped pieces.
Van Patten's Books on Nippon are Fabulous
Collectors Encyclopedia of Nippon Poreclain: Sixth Series, Identification & Values (Collector's Encyclopedia of Nippon Porcelain)
Amazon Price: $54.94 (as of 06/03/2012)
Joan Van Patten's books on Nippon are beautifully illustrated. They contains hundreds of examples of porcelain marks.
The books are all a pleasure to look at.
Rose Medallion is an enduring chinoiserie pattern
12"D porcelain plate - Rose Medallion
Amazon Price: $24.50 (as of 06/03/2012)
Antique pieces of rose medallion are quite pricey. New pieces are affordable and just as beautiful.
