The company made utilitarian art pottery and bathroom fixtures. Bought by Universal Rundle Corp. in 1951. Reference: Potteries Across Texas website Other marks were used by Bawo & Dotter as well, all referencing “Elite” in some way. A similar mark without an underscore beneath ELITE and no “L” above France was used ca. 1896 to 1900. Note: Kovels’ New Dictionary of Marks refers to an Elite mark as that of Guerin-Pouyat-Elite LTD, however, most dealers refer to the Mary Frank Gaston attribution in The Collectors Encyclopedia of Limoges Porcelain of Bawo & Dotter. A mark used after 1920 by this company does refer to Guerin-Pouyat-Elite LTD. suggesting a later partnership or merger with Guerin-Pouyat. Other marks were used by Bawo & Dotter as well, all referencing “Elite” in some way. Note: Kovels’ New Dictionary of Marks refers to a similar mark as that of Guerin-Pouyat-Elite LTD., however, most dealers refer to the Mary Frank Gaston attribution in The Collectors Encyclopedia of Limoges Porcelain of Bawo & Dotter. A mark used after 1920 by this company does refer to Guerin-Pouyat-Elite LTD. suggesting a later partnership or merger with Guerin-Pouyat. Other marks were used by Bawo & Dotter as well, all referencing “Elite” in some way. The first similar red decorating shield mark appears to have been used in the 1880s. This mark is seen in green, gray and red. One of a number of marks on Blue Ridge pieces. Reference: Kovels’ New Dictionary of Marks Deldare pieces have their own unique marks identifying pieces as part of this line. Buffalo’s Blue Willow dinnerware pattern was marked “First Old Willow Ware Mfg. in America,” according to Warman’s Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide 39th Edition edited by Ellen T. Schroy. Gladding McBean & Co. acquired the Catalina Island Pottery Co. and its molds in 1937. The sticker shown was used on art pottery made by Gladding McBean & Co. from 1937 until 1942 when the Catalina Pottery Art Ware line was discontinued due to war production, according to the gmcb.com website. Oftentimes these pieces will bear another mark such as “Catalina Pottery U.S.A.” but the stickers were worn away with cleaning and use. Note: These pieces should not be confused with those made by the original Catalina Island Pottery Co. at the original island factory off the Southern California coast from 1927 to 1937. Those are most often marked “Catalina” or “Catalina Island” incised into the bottom of the pieces. Catalina Island pieces are more highly prized by collectors and bring higher prices than those marked “Catalina Pottery.” The fleur de lis mark was later revised to a thinner version. Beginning in 1771, Capodimonte began using the crown over the Neopolitan N mark. This mark was used through the early 1800s when the Royal Factory closed. Other companies began manufacturing porcelain in the Capodimonte tradition after 1925. Some of these pieces are marked with other company names or foil stickers in addition to a stamped variation of the crown over the Neopolitan N mark. This mark replaced a fatter version of the fleur de lis mark. Beginning in 1771, Capodimonte began using the crown over the Neopolitan N mark. This mark was used through the early 1800s when the Royal Factory closed. Other companies began manufacturing porcelain in the Capodimonte tradition after 1925. Some of these pieces are marked with other company names or foil stickers in addition to a stamped variation of the crown over the Neopolitan N mark. Other marks by companies who carried on the Capodimonte tradition since 1925 also contain some variation of the crown over N mark, but the one shown here was the only mark used by the original Capodimonte factory in Italy from the late 1700s through the early 1800s (some sources indicate a closing date of 1817, others purport 1834). Star mark without the words “Limoges” and “France” above and below was used prior to 1890. Mark with “Made in France” above star used 1914 to 1920s. The Coiffe factory made many porcelain blanks decorated by other companies so many times an accompanying mark will identify the decorating factory. Coiffe blanks were also exported to the United States for use by both novice and professional china painters at the turn of the last century. Reference: The Collectors Encyclopedia of Limoges Porcelain. Mark used on majolica, ironstone, semiporcelain and white granite. The company was in business from 1902 to 1962. Reference: Kovels’ New Dictionary of Marks. The firm was noted for its transfer-printed earthenware. References: Kovels’s website and Kovels’ New Dictionary of Marks. One of a number of marks on Doulton pieces. Reference: Kovels’ New Dictionary of Marks. This was the first mark—FULPER in a rectangle—used by this company using the Hobo typeface. It is commonly referenced by collectors and dealers as the Fulper “ink mark.” Fake ink marks have been found drawn with a black marker on pieces not made by this company. Astute collectors confirm authenticity prior to investing in a pricey item purportedly made by Fulper. This “sunburst” mark is one of several used by Gebruder Heubach on bisque porcelain dolls, piano babies, and other figurines. This particular mark is sometimes very faintly incised into the porcelain with the sunburst being the most recognizable attribute and the H and G lettering barely legible. The same mark can also be found ink stamped on the bottom of some piano babies and figurines as well. The mark shown here was found on a piano baby figurine. Gebruder Heubach also used a square mark with HEU over BACH and Gebr. Heubach on their character dolls as well. These marks, along with the sunburst mark, are usually located on the back of the neck on dolls. This is one of the most commonly found Grueby Pottery marks. The “HB” mark was first used on pieces made by the Hubaudiere-Bousquet factory in Quimper, France in the mid-1800s, and has had many incarnations. Subtle differences in these marks can lend to more accurately dating this type of pottery, according to information provided on the Old Quimper website. The HB Quimper mark with dashes and dots beneath (as shown above) was employed from the late 1800s up to 1942. The most recent HB mark used by the Hubaudiere-Bousquet factory in Quimper, France is “HB Quimper,” with form and decoration numbers beneath. This mark dates from 1968 to 1983. Later pieces were made with marks that appeared on original factory pieces when they were reissued through 2004. This mark was used by the Jules Henriot factory in Quimper, France known for making faience pottery. The style made by Henriot and that of other potteries from this area is generically referred to as “Quimper” by collectors. Henriot used a number of different marks beginning in 1891, with “HR” being the first. From 1895 to 1922 the factory used the “HR Quimper” mark. The example shown above was used from about 1925 to 1968, according to the Old Quimper website. After 1968, artist initials and/or decoration numbers were printed under the mark. Mark used by Hull Pottery during the 1940s to advertise the prevalence of the company’s popular art pottery lines during that period. Reference: Collectors Encyclopedia of Hull Pottery by Brenda Roberts. Reference: Kovels’ New Dictionary of Marks. Reference: Kovels’ New Dictionary of Marks. References: Kovels’ New Dictionary of Marks and The Collectors Encyclopedia of Limoges Porcelain. This decorating studio used a number of different marks, including those that read LR&L or L.R. over L. Mark used on various stoneware and earthenware pieces. Reference: Kovels’ New Dictionary of Marks Poppy Trail denotes the Metlox pattern name. The same basic mark was used with a number of different patterns made by Metlox, with just the pattern name changing as applicable. Additional Note from Anastacia Gibbs: “Many of the original Metlox marks which look similar to this one and are authentic are smeared. We have many pieces with this mark that belonged to my husband’s parents and they were purchased here in California when the factory was still active.” This company began as Muncie Clay Products Company in 1919. Muncie, a small company, only employed 20 people at the height of their production, according to research compiled by author Jack D. Wilson. Some of the most collectible Muncie pieces are the Art Deco designs resembling Ruba Rombic glassware conceptualized by Reuben Haley who also designed for Consolidated Glass Company. The company was reorganized and renamed Muncie Potteries in 1931, and eventually ceased operation in 1939. While some Muncie pieces are not signed, those bearing the company’s name are marked as shown here. Some pieces also have mold or finisher marks, usually handwritten, which can include a combination of letters and/or numbers. Newcomb College Pottery was made by women students at Newcomb College incorporating local materials and decor inspired by Louisiana’s flora and fauna in the Arts and Crafts tradition. A number of marks are usually found on each piece including a registration mark and the initials of the woman who decorated the piece. Mark used on porcelain wares. Reference: Kovels’ New Dictionary of Marks. A very simple “PD” mark is sometimes associated with Paul Dachsel’s work as well, whether he was designing for the original Amphora factory, Ernst Wahliss or for his own factory. The PD mark can be found alone on the base of a piece, with an Amphora or Wahliss mark, or the Kunstkeramik mark shown above. This is one of many marks used by Rosenthal on various lines. This style of the mark, with Germany beneath Rosenthal, was first used in the mid-1950s and continued through 1967. Various nuances to the mark can help narrow the date to a specific year. Many talented artists worked for Rookwood Pottery, and a number of pieces are marked on the base with an artist’s cipher (their name or initials) in addition to the reverse RP logo. Some pieces were also marked with a letter: “P” indicates soft porcelain; “S” indicates a special piece; “Z” refers to matte glaze; “V” indicates Vellum glaze, and trial pieces were marked “T”. Roseville is often more easily dated by identifying the line and researching the corresponding year of production rather than relying solely on the style of the mark. Reference: Kovels’ New Dictionary of Marks. Mark of Franz Anton Mehlem’s pottery made in Bonn, Germany. A number of marks were used by this manufacturer, most including the initials FM, a crown, and the word Bonn. Some show a date of “1755,” which refers to earlier Bonn pottery manufacturers, rather than the date a piece was made. Note: This particular example is partially stamped so the words “Royal” above the crown and “Bonn” below the crest are barely legible, nor is the “1755” under the FM in the center of the mark readable. Reference: Kovel’s New Dictionary of Marks. Mark used primarily on semi-vitreous dinnerware. Reference: Kovels’ New Dictionary of Marks. According to Roger Hoffman, a Royal Doulton specialist, “Pre-1959 the Old Balloon Seller [logo] was hand-printed and after 1982 the logo changed completely. It had a very long production run (1929 to 98) and is therefore readily available. In good shape, we sell it at $130.“ This mark is often referred to as the “red” mark by dealers and collectors of R.S. Prussia porcelain. Some well done fake marks can be very similar, so examining details closely is imperative when in question. A similar circular mark with the words “Grimwades England” inside the Royal Winton logo was used by this company on chintz dinnerware from the mid-1930s through 1950. References: Victoria Magazine and Kovels’ New Dictionary of Marks. Since this mark was used on figurines produced for 70 years, the style must be examined to determine the age. Sometimes seen with a Germany circle mark in addition to the crown mark. References: Pictoral Guide to Pottery & Porcelain Marks and Kovels’ New Dictionary of Marks. Tressemann & Vogt was one of many factories doing business in Limoges, France at the turn of the last century. They produced many pieces of whiteware that were decorated elsewhere and decorated porcelain as well. Some references show Tressemanes spelling vs. Tressemann. References: Kovels’ New Dictionary of Marks, Collector’s Encyclopedia of Limoges Porcelain. Many pieces were made with matte green glaze, some with a metallic black overglaze, but other colors such as brown, yellow, blue, pink and maroon were also made. These items are considered to be part of the arts and crafts movement and are highly regarded by art pottery enthusiasts. Most collectors are attracted to Teco for the unique and creative shapes of the pieces, especially those with geometric features rather than the color of the glaze, according to the JustArtPottery website. A similar circle mark with OVEN PROOF in the center was used by this company from 1934 to 1936. Reference: Kovels’ New Dictionary of Marks. Colorado Springs notation was added to this company’s wares made after 1920. Check the Van Briggle website for current production pieces to assist in dating. Only pieces made from 1901 through 1907 are always dated under the “AA” logo. Pieces were dated sporadically from 1908 through 1920. This particular incised mark is from a Weller Hudson vase decorated by Dorothy England Laughead (note the “D.L.” artist’s cipher in blue to the left in the photo). The Hudson line was produced during the 1920s dating this Weller mark to that time period. This manufacturing company used a number of different marks beginning in 1870, including similar scroll marks without Limoges and France. One variation used from the late 1890s to 1932 spelled out Wm. Guérin & Co. Limoges France. Reference: Kovels’ New Dictionary of Marks.
