Antique Bavarian Selb Porcelain: Identifying The Circular Green Mark

Bavarian porcelain is often identified by a shield-shaped mark, featuring a crown, a shield, and the Bavarian coat of arms. The maker's name and location are also typically included in this mark. However, there are many variations of marks on Bavarian porcelain, and sometimes marks from other regions are used to cover up the original Bavarian mark. For example, some pieces may have a simple Bavaria above a crown and the initials CO, or a crowned shield with the initials CF above Porzellan and Bavaria. Other marks may include a four-leaf clover, the word Selb, or a combination of letters and symbols.

The history of Bavarian porcelain marks

Bavarian porcelain refers to chinaware and decorative porcelain made in Bavaria, Germany. While there is no specific style or distinguishing characteristic, the term is popular with collectors and antique dealers because, in addition to brand-name manufacturers in the region, there are also many US- or Germany-based importers and exporters that traded luxury goods from Bavaria. These items were often simply marked as "Bavaria" and featured a multitude of trademarks, including a shield-shaped mark with a crown, a shield, and a Bavarian coat of arms emblem, as well as the maker's name and location.

Bavarian porcelain marks are important for identifying the origin, age, and authenticity of porcelain objects. They can also indicate the manufacturer, country of origin, and date of production. The history of Bavarian porcelain marks is closely tied to the development of the porcelain industry in Germany, which began in the early 18th century with the emergence of hard-paste porcelain production. The earliest markings of Meissen porcelain, the oldest German manufacturer, were "AR", representing King Augustus Rex, which later changed to two crossed swords around 1720. Other famous German porcelain marks include the Dresden Mark, usually featuring a crown and an "N", and the Rudolstadt Mark, featuring a crown above the "R" initial, an orb, and a cross.

The 18th century saw the dawn of the porcelain industry in Europe, with the emergence of porcelain factories in Germany that produced some of the best porcelain items at the time. Many of these items were marked with symbols or brands, and collectors now seek out these unique marks. The discovery of large deposits of kaolin in the region led to the production of German porcelain for the wider population in the 1800s. However, earlier pieces are still valuable, and even rare pieces by more recent producers can command high prices.

The addition of the 'Made in Germany' mark in 1887 by the British government to reduce imports actually added value to German porcelain as it became known for its quality. Today, German porcelain is renowned for its strength, beauty, and valuable history, and collectors crave it for its captivating design. The marks on these pieces are vital for determining their origin, age, maker, material, craftsmanship, and worth.

The different types of porcelain marks

Porcelain marks are like the fingerprints of the artist or company that made the piece. They can be used to date a piece, trace its origins, and often reveal the identity of the maker. There are several types of porcelain marks, each serving a different purpose:

• Maker's Marks: These are used by potters to identify their work and are usually printed or impressed into the clay before firing.
• Pattern Marks: Names or numbers used to identify a pattern, usually found on the underside of a piece along with the maker's mark and other symbols.
• Country of Origin Marks: National symbols or words that indicate where the piece was made, which can be helpful in determining its age.
• Artist's Signatures: Handwritten signatures of the artist who created the piece, found on the underside or front of a piece.
• Firing Symbols: Symbols placed on a piece to indicate how it should be fired, e.g. ring marks for Raku firing.

The three main types of porcelain marks are trademarks, logos, and signatures. Trademarks are text-only and indicate the company name or brand. Logos usually combine text and images and may include an insignia, monogram, brand mascot, or another symbol. Signatures are handwritten initials or names that indicate the maker.

Porcelain marks can be found on the bottom of a piece or on the back and are usually identified with a specific country of origin. They can tell us the maker of a piece, when it was made, and sometimes where it was made.

Some of the most well-known porcelain makers and their marks include:

• Meissen (1710-present): The earliest markings of Meissen were "AR", representing the king, Augustus Rex. This later changed to two crossed swords, which have been the consistent basis for Meissen porcelain markings since around 1730.
• Frankenthal (1755-1799): Established by the Hannong family, Frankenthal porcelain marks changed significantly due to the short life of the manufacturer. The marks evolved from a "PH" to a lion emblem, and later to a crown with "CT" beneath it.
• Königliche Porzellan Manufaktur, KPM (1763-present): A cobalt blue sceptre is the key mark of KPM pieces and has been consistent throughout its history. The mark is often accompanied by other marks, such as the imperial orb, which differs in colour depending on the type of decor.
• Villeroy and Boch (1836-present): Villeroy and Boch pieces consistently use either "VB" or the full name, along with a variety of crests and emblems.

In addition to these well-known makers, there are also many other porcelain marks that can be found on antique and vintage pieces. These marks can be used to help identify the maker, pattern, and country of origin of a piece.

How to identify Bavarian porcelain marks

Bavarian porcelain marks can be identified by following these steps:

Check the Mark on the Bottom of the China

Look for any marks, stamps, logos, or shapes on the bottom of the china. Porcelain and china from Bavaria that were made for export to the United States will typically be marked in English, while those not intended for export or made for German-speaking countries will be marked in German. Many of the backstamps reflect the city of origin, such as Arzberg, Bayreuth, Schwarzenbach, Selb, and Tettau. If there are any handwritten numbers, these are usually decorator identification and are not associated with the mark.

Research the Manufacturer

Try to identify the Bavarian porcelain manufacturing company by searching for their website or checking resources such as Porcelain Marks & More, which provides a list of manufacturer links. Some of these websites may be in German (ending in .de), but they often offer an English version as well. Look for a company history, production dates, and other information that can help identify the marks.

Identify the Mark Through Written Information and Shape

Try to identify the marks based on the written information provided in the design of the logo or the shape of the backstamp. Online resources like Porcelain Marks & More can help identify Bavarian china by the city of origin.

Consult Reference Books

Use specialised books to identify Bavarian china and porcelain backstamps. Recommended references include "Kovels' Dictionary of Marks," "Kovels' New Dictionary of Marks," Miller's pottery and porcelain marks book, and Rontgen's book specifically for German, Bohemian, and Austrian porcelain marks. These books provide pictures of marks and their dates of use, helping to narrow down the identification.

Seek Expert Advice

Take a copy of the mark or a piece of the porcelain to a collectibles show, antiques mall, or a dealer who specialises in similar wares. They can provide valuable insights and help identify the mark based on their knowledge and experience.

Tips for spotting fake Bavarian porcelain marks

• Research the maker: Learn the background of the manufacturer, which will help you spot certified marks.
• Examine the stamp: Look for a clear, well-defined stamp that aligns with known marks. Use a magnifying glass to spot small details.
• Check the materials: High-quality materials and superior craftsmanship are typically indicative of original marks.
• Consider the age of the object: This can help determine if the piece is genuine or not.
• Seek professional help: If in doubt, consult an expert in the field for authentication and appraisal.

Additionally, here are some specific tips for identifying Bavarian porcelain:

• Bavarian porcelain often features a shield-shaped mark, including a crown, a shield, and the Bavarian coat of arms. It also typically includes the maker's name and location.
• The Edelstein Bavaria company used several types of marks, including trademarks, number stamps (pattern codes), and pattern or series marks. These can help identify the piece's age, pattern, and authenticity.
• Be wary of marks that include the words "Royal Vienna," "Vienna," "Wein," "Austria," "Germany," or "Czechoslovakia," as these are not genuine Vienna porcelain marks.

The value of Bavarian porcelain marks

Bavarian porcelain refers to chinaware and decorative porcelain made in Bavaria, Germany. While there is no specific style or distinguishing characteristic, the term is popular with collectors and antique dealers because, in addition to brand-name manufacturers in the region, there are also many US- or Germany-based importers and exporters that traded luxury goods from Bavaria and simply marked these items as "Bavaria".

Most Bavarian porcelain is marked with a trader's logo and rarely includes the original manufacturer's name. Some even have an "overmark", which is an extra backstamp or other masking trademark that hides the actual maker. These items were frequently made by lesser-known companies that were slowly being introduced to the market under the general banner of the importer, rather than on their own brand. This practice continues today, although there is a sharply reduced output from Germany, mostly due to costs.

Traders' marks tend to be somewhat more embellished than those of the various porcelain factories and often feature a representative emblem of Bavaria, most notably the roaring lion, a crown, or the region's crest.

Bavarian porcelain is usually of the utmost quality and is highly collectible. Decorative styles vary only slightly, using themes and compositions that resemble other German makers, such as Meissen, or romantic and neoclassical designs, as well as floral motifs.

Some famous names of actual Bavarian porcelain manufacturers, some of which are no longer in existence, include C.M. Hutschenreuther, Schumann, Alboth & Kaiser, Martha Budich, Thomas, Moschendorf, Zeh, Scherzer & Co., Winterling, Sandizell, Johann or Christian Seltmann, and Tettau.

Frequently asked questions