How To Date Meissen Porcelain
How to Date Meissen Porcelain
Identifying Age Through Marks
Meissen porcelain is celebrated for its quality craftsmanship and rich history, making it a prized collector’s item. To determine the age of Meissen pieces, one must understand the various marks that indicate its period of production. This guide will help you identify these marks and date your Meissen porcelain accurately.
Understanding Meissen Porcelain Marks
The marks on Meissen porcelain are pivotal for dating and identifying the pieces. The most recognizable mark is the crossed swords logo, which has evolved over time. Below we detail the key marks and their corresponding time frames.
Meissen Company Marks
A factory mark from Meissen not only authenticates the piece but also provides insights into its production date and history.
The iconic crossed swords mark was first introduced by Johann Melchior Steinbrück in 1722, making its debut in 1725. This mark was typically stamped onto the porcelain during the manufacturing process while the material was still pliable.
Between 1725 and 1973, Meissen expanded its range of crossed swords marks, each featuring distinctive design traits that aid in identifying the age of the porcelain. For a closer look at these marks, refer to our detailed Meissen factory mark chart below.
1725 – 1732
1732 – 1773
1773 – 1814
1774 – 1814
(White Porcelain Mark)
1774
1814
(Incised White Porcelain Mark)
1814 – 1824
1825 – 1924
1900
(White Porcelain Mark)
1919
(Meissen Trademark)
1924 – 1934
1947 – 1973
1972
1974
1985
Meissen Jubilee marks
In addition, you may notice specific years inscribed on certain pieces of Meissen porcelain known as “jubilee” items. These marks commemorate significant anniversaries or milestones in the factory’s history, celebrating its long-standing legacy.
The years associated with these pieces highlight key moments, such as the factory’s founding or notable achievements.
200th Anniversary of Meissen Manufactory – marked in blue as 1710-1910.
250th Anniversary of Meissen Manufactory – marked in blue as 1710-1960.
250th Anniversary of the Onion Pattern – marked in blue as 1739-1989.
Meissen ‘ZeitZeichen’ Limited Edition – marked in blue as ‘2000’ underglaze.
Quality Marks
Between the early 1740s and 1870s, Meissen introduced quality marks that can also help determine the age of the piece:
- One Stroke: Indicates “sold undecorated” porcelain from 1740 to 1930.
- Two Strokes: Denotes low-quality tableware from 1852 to 1870.
- Three Strokes: Refers to porcelain with firing flaws from the same period.
- Four Strokes: Indicates the lowest quality porcelain.
Two strokes on a factory second piece
Artist Monograms and Signatures
Prior to introducing the crossed swords mark, Meissen utilized various monograms representing different rulers or workshops. Here are a few key monograms to look for:
Identifying these monograms can offer insights into the age of the porcelain and the specific workshop responsible for its creation.
Augustus Rex
AR, dates back to the early 1720s.
Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur
KPM: Signifies Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur, with variations appearing from the late 18th century and onward.
Königliche Porzellan-Fabrik
KPF: Represents the Königliche Porzellan-Fabrik.
Meissener Porzellan Manufaktur
Meissen Porcelain Manufactory
Prince Elector Frederick Augustus III
Königlich-Churfürstliche Pillnitzer Conditorei
Royal Electoral Pillnitz Confectionery
Königliche Hof-Conditorei
Königliche Hof-Küchezellan Manufaktur
Royal Court Kitchen Cellan Manufactory
Shape and Model Numbers
Meissen porcelain is also marked with model numbers that are crucial for dating the pieces. This system has evolved over the years:
1700s-1760: Early porcelain typically features simple model numbers ranging from 1 to 3000.
1764-1973: The introduction of the letter-number system, integrating letters and numbers into the model marking.
1924 – 1934: The foreign artists’ Meissen models post-1924 had an incised mark with the alphabet “A” and numbers from 1001 to 1300.
- 1973 Onwards: Pieces marked with a five-digit model number starting from 50000 to 99999 represent late 20th century production.
Location Marks
While early Meissen pieces do not have explicit location marks, later models may include “Made in Germany” inscriptions. This is particularly prevalent in pieces produced after the 1900s and can help verify their authenticity and age.
Conclusion
By carefully examining the various marks found on Meissen porcelain, collectors can effectively determine the age of their pieces. Understanding how to interpret company marks, quality indicators, artist monograms, model numbers, and location marks is essential for anyone interested in the history and authenticity of Meissen porcelain.
With this knowledge in hand, you can confidently date your Meissen porcelain and appreciate its place in the world of antique ceramics. For further inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out!
