Edelstein Bavaria Fairfield: A Complete Set's Worth

Edelstein Bavaria porcelain is popular among collectors for its gold trim, hand-painted floral designs, and iconic German make. The best way to ensure a piece is authentic is by its marks, which can help you identify its age, pattern, and avoid fakes. The value of Edelstein Bavaria porcelain depends on the type and size of the piece, with rare pieces fetching up to $1,000. A complete set of Edelstein Bavaria Fairfield can be worth a few hundred dollars, depending on its condition and the number of pieces included.

History of Edelstein Bavaria

Edelstein Bavaria china was produced by the Edelstein Porcelain Factory of Kups, Bavaria, Germany, which was founded sometime after 1931 and is still in business today. The company's products are highly sought after by collectors, with some sets dating back to the 1950s.

The Edelstein Porcelain Factory is one of many porcelain manufacturers that emerged in Germany following the discovery of the formula for hard-paste porcelain by German alchemist Johann Friedrich Bottger in 1708. The Meissen porcelain factory, founded by Augustus the Strong of Saxony, was the first such manufacturer and remains the oldest German porcelain factory still in existence.

The success of Meissen led to the opening of dozens of porcelain factories across Germany, as the rulers of different states and regions competed to dominate the European and American markets. Many well-known names in the porcelain industry today can trace their origins back to this time.

One such company is Goebel, founded in 1871, which is best known for its Hummel figurines of German children. The company's backstamps include its name, a crown, the moon, and a bee. Values for these figurines can start at $20, but rare pieces can command thousands of dollars.

Another notable manufacturer is Frankenthal porcelain, founded in 1755 in Frankenthal, Germany. The company was famous for its elaborate figurines, which are recognised by their doll-like faces and arched bases. Original Frankenthal pieces are no longer in production, and values for these figurines tend to be high, often exceeding $3,000.

The formula for porcelain was closely guarded by Chinese workshops for over 350 years, and German china has been desired by collectors for nearly three centuries. The term 'china' and 'porcelain' are used interchangeably, and German porcelain was originally produced for nobility and aristocrats. However, after large kaolin deposits were discovered in Selb, Bavaria, in the 19th century, the focus shifted to creating porcelain for the general population.

Today, the Edelstein Porcelain Factory continues to produce fine china, with patterns such as Maria Theresia, Stratford, and Florence, among others. A complete set of Edelstein Bavaria china in perfect condition can be valued at around $500, with the fair market value being approximately 40% of the retail amount.

Edelstein Bavaria's marks and codes

Edelstein Bavaria porcelain is popular among collectors for its unique features, such as solid gold trims, hand-painted floral designs, and its iconic German make. The best way to ensure that a piece is from German Edelstein Bavaria is by its marks.

• Edelstein Trademarks: The 'Bavaria' porcelain logo was commonly used by all local artists and German porcelain companies in the 1800s. When Edelstein started his business in the 1920s, he added his brand name and other design elements to stand out. For instance, the early 1920s Bavaria porcelain marks feature a 2D, doodled headdress on top, while the 1942 mark includes a stamped year date.
• Number Stamps (Pattern Codes): Many Edelstein Bavaria items have number stamps or pattern codes on their undersides, which are usually stamped in black ink or gilded. The five-digit number is the original pattern code assigned by the factory, while the lower one- to three-digit number is the foreman's ID code, indicating the piece has passed quality control.
• Edelstein Pattern or Series Marks: The Edelstein company started marking pattern names along with the codes to facilitate easier identification. The early 1920s to 1930s pieces featured a stylized 'Maria Theresia' mark, named after the only female ruler of the Habsburg empire. These pieces are known for their intricate, pastel floral designs and hand-brushed gold trims. The post-1930s porcelain pieces have stamped pattern names.
• Location Marks: Real Edelstein Bavaria porcelain has etched brown, black, or gold ink location marks. They may have grey or faded spots, especially at the corners and joints of the alphabet. If you see stamps like 'Made in China' or 'Made in Japan', the piece is not a genuine Edelstein.

In addition to these authentic marks, it's important to be aware of fake Edelstein Bavaria porcelain. These bogus pieces often have misspelled brand names, bold colours instead of black or gilded marks, flat (stamped) marks instead of raised ones, and silver, brass, or platinum rims instead of gold. They may also feature patterns that were never produced by the Edelstein factory and may have location marks from countries other than Germany.

Identifying real Edelstein Bavaria porcelain

Edelstein Bavaria porcelain is popular among collectors for its solid gold trims, hand-painted floral designs, and iconic German make. The best way to ensure that a piece is from German Edelstein Bavaria is by its marks. Here are some tips to identify real Edelstein Bavaria porcelain:

Edelstein Trademarks

The 'Bavaria' porcelain logo was commonly used by all local artists and German porcelain companies in the 1800s. When Edelstein started his business in the 1920s, he added his brand name and other design elements to stand out. For example, the early 1920s Bavaria porcelain marks feature a 2D, doodled headdress on top, while the 1942 mark includes a stamped year date.

Number Stamps (Pattern Codes)

Many Edelstein Bavaria items have numbers marked on the underside, along with the trademarks. These are either stamped in black ink or gilded. The five-digit number is the original pattern code assigned by the factory, associated with the particular design. The lower one- to three-digit number is the foreman ID code, indicating the piece has passed quality control.

Edelstein Pattern or Series Marks

Edelstein started marking the pattern names along with the pattern codes to make identification easier. The early 1920s-1930s Edelstein pieces featured a stylized 'Maria Theresia' mark, named after the only female ruler of the Habsburg empire. These pieces are known for their intricate, pastel floral designs and hand-brushed gold trims. The new post-1930s porcelain pieces have stamped pattern names.

Location Marks

Another mark that confirms the authenticity of Germany-based Edelstein porcelain is the 'Made in Germany' mark at the base. The earlier pieces have a simple mark, while later ones have a "V"-shaped mark. The real Edelstein Bavaria also has etched brown, black, or gold ink location marks, which may have grey or faded spots in some areas, especially at the corners and joints of the alphabet.

Identifying Fake Edelstein Porcelain Marks

Not all marks on Edelstein Bavaria porcelain are real. Some makers try to pass off fake pottery with bogus Edelstein marks. Here are some features to help spot fake pieces:

• Misspelled brand names, like "Edelstem Bavaria" or "Edeliteen Bavaria."
• Bold red, blue, or yellow marks and names, unlike the real black or gilded ones.
• Flat, stamped marks, whereas real marks have raised die edges.
• Silver, brass, or platinum rims instead of the real golden ones.
• Location or import marks from 'China', 'Japan', or 'Asia'.
• Strange patterns that were never produced by the Edelstein factory.

Dating Edelstein Bavaria Porcelain by Era-Specific Features

Even if your porcelain piece has no clear mark, you can still estimate its age by observing its era-specific features:

• Early 1920s–1940s: Floral, multicolour designs, gold handles, and wavy or round edges.
• 1940–1970: Modern and military designs with abstract Maria Theresia, Agate, Rose, Edelstein Gold, Platinum, Iris, Sunflower, and Butterfly patterns.
• 1970 onwards: Bold, pop-colour stripes, circles, and squares with plain, rounded edges and self-print borders, inspired by local minimal design movements.

Value of Edelstein Bavaria porcelain

Edelstein Bavaria porcelain is popular among collectors for its gold trims, hand-painted floral designs, and iconic German make. The value of Edelstein china in good condition ranges from $50 to $600, but rare pieces can be worth up to $1,000. The price depends on the type and size of the piece, with tableware and dinnerware commanding different prices. For example, Edelstein plates sell for $5 to $50, with full sets going for over $80, while bowls and creamers are worth $5 to $120. Large platters, vases, and pots are valued at $200 to $300. A smaller set of Edelstein porcelainware, such as a 6-piece set, can be worth around $100 to $250, while a larger complete set with 10 to 12 pieces can fetch up to $1,000.

A 26-piece Florence pattern Edelstein Bavaria set with slight defects was sold for $395 on eBay. A set of two 1970s Edelstein Bavaria porcelain vases sold for $600 on 1stDibs. A large Edelstein Bavaria China Serving Set is listed for $950 on eBay. An Edelstein Bavaria Maria Theresia Victorian coffee pot sold for $325 on Rubylane. A 76-piece Edelstein Bavaria Maria Theresia Florence China Set with gold trim is listed for $784 on Etsy.

Edelstein Bavaria was founded in 1919 by Julius Edelstein and Isidor Grünebaum, who purchased the Oberfränkische Porzellanfabrik, a porcelain painting unit. The company is known for its kaolin porcelain production with gilded floral patterns and figurine motifs. In the 1920s, Edelstein added his brand name and design elements to the common 'Bavaria' porcelain logo used by local artists and German porcelain companies in the 1800s.

Buying and selling Edelstein Bavaria porcelain

Edelstein Bavaria porcelain is a popular collectable, known for its gold trims, hand-painted floral designs, and German make. The company was founded in 1919 and has gone through several changes in ownership over the years.

When buying Edelstein Bavaria porcelain, it is important to look for the unique marks that indicate its authenticity. These include the Edelstein trademarks, which feature the 'Bavaria' logo with additional design elements, such as the brand name; number stamps, which indicate the pattern code and foreman ID code; and pattern or series marks, which indicate the name of the pattern. The porcelain may also feature a 'Made in Germany' mark and etched brown, black, or gold ink location marks. It is also important to be aware of fake Edelstein marks, which may have misspelled brand names, bold colours, flat (stamped) marks, and silver, brass, or platinum rims.

The value of Edelstein Bavaria porcelain can vary depending on the type, size, and condition of the piece. Common collectible pieces in good condition are typically worth around $50 to $600, while rare pieces can be valued at up to $1,000. For example, a 26-piece Florence pattern set with slight chips sold for $395 on eBay, while a large China Serving Set is listed at $950 on the same site. Smaller sets of porcelainware can be worth around $100 to $250, while larger complete sets can fetch up to $1,000.

When selling Edelstein Bavaria porcelain, it is important to provide clear and detailed descriptions of the pieces, including any marks or patterns, as well as their condition. It is also helpful to include high-quality photos that showcase the pieces from multiple angles.

Overall, Edelstein Bavaria porcelain is a sought-after collectable that can be valuable, depending on its rarity and condition. When buying or selling, it is important to look for and authenticate the unique marks that indicate its authenticity.

Frequently asked questions