Stamp reveals china likely made around the turn of the century
Q: My mother gave me this cake plate set and said it had been in the family for many years. Our family came to America from Germany around the mid-1800s. The pitcher and sugar jar have always been with the plate set but the markings on the bottom are different. I tried to look up both markings but didn’t have any luck. I was wondering if you could help me know where they are from and about how old they are. Thank you very much for any info you can provide. — A., internet
A: Heirlooms are wonderful connections to one’s past and provide "Remember When" memories. I appreciate your good clear photographs including the marks on the base. The two-piece creamer and lidded sugar are a set, the other pieces with a serpentine edge hand painted like the cream and sugar are dessert plates not cake plates. Cake plates have an open handle on each side within the border and are used to serve from.
China painting was part of the social fabric during the late 19th and early 20th century. Ladies would purchase blank undecorated china from various jewelers and department stores and paint it themselves. The demand was so strong that numerous china manufacturers throughout Europe produced large quantities of fine quality undecorated porcelain for export to the United States. In 1890 the United States enacted a law that stated foreign export products to the United States had to be marked with the country of origin. The three pieces you have are stamped with the country of origin, Germany, so we know they were made after 1891. Your pieces were likely made around the turn of the century. Though from different manufacturers the pieces were probably painted by the same person.
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Q: I had initially contacted the Appleton Museum to help me with some questions I had about some items I purchased quite a while ago at a yard sale. You were referred to me by the Appleton Museum. I was wondering if I could email or text you some pictures of these items to get your opinion. I believe they are old and just the idea that you may help me understand more about them is exciting. They seem to be carved reliefs on flat planks of chiefs or high ranking tribe members, and one is a carved statue. Any help from you would be much appreciated and who knows, we may stumble upon some great news about these items. Looking forward to hearing what you have to say. — M.P., internet
A: Some folks do stumble across great finds, which can super charge the emotional excitement of the search for those who beat the bushes to find lost or forgotten treasures. Take good clear photographs including the backside and include dimensions. Then I will give you my opinion of potential market interest and relative value.
— John Sikorski with over 35 years of experience is an Ocala based antiques advisor, consultant, and broker. Send your questions to Sikorski's Attic, c/o The Ocala Star-Banner, 2121 SW 19th Ave. Road, Ocala, FL 34471-7752, or email absantique@aol.com.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: John Sikorski: Stamp reveals china likely made around turn of century
