Continental German? Figure with Blue line double fork mark

by Irene
(England)

Hi, I have this lovely figure, from an estate clearance. I have looked for weeks to try & identifi the maker \ mark \ date, I just can't find it. They are possibly German? and similar to volkstedt porcelain, but the marking is different. It also has an impressed No. 2833 \ 13

I would describe the mark as a blue line, with a double fork? Please see attch pics

I would be most grateful for any info?

Thanks so much

Irene

Comments for Continental German? Figure with Blue line double fork mark

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Double ended fork mark
by: Peter (admin)

Dear Irene

I agree this mark is trying to be like the various Volkstedt marks. It doesn't fit any of them exactly, as you say, as none of them are seen to be using a double ended fork motif.

I checked in my guides and the notable factories using this style of pitchfork reference mark were from Volkstedt and included the following firms:-

The original Volkstedt Porcelain Factory (Aelteste Volkstedter Porzellanfabrik), also Triebner Ens & Eckert , Richard Eckert & Co, ad also Christian Nonne.

The style also does not quite fit the German style of this period. The modelling is naive - not a trait normally associated with German ware of the 19th century period. The mould is clearly worn and overused. The decoration is basic and fairly primitive.

The notable thing about German make was the high quality combined with low prices. This item has been mass produced and not to a level normally associated with 19th Century German ware.

So I don't know where this piece is from, the mark is at this point unidentified. Any help or comments would be gratefully recieved.

What I have seen, time and time again though figurines from the Far East in the second half of the 20th century using marks very similar in appearance to obscure old German factories.

Best regards

Peter (admin)
`Pseudo` Volkstedt double pitchfork mark.
by: John

This mark is very common on figures and invariably attributed to Volkstedt ..... but none of the Volkstedt factories have ever used it. The modelling of the figures is variable with some being much superior to others. The giltwork is similar on all figures carrying this mark and typically modern bright `gold`. In fact it appears not to be pure gold - and possibly not gold at all.
I agree with Peter`s assessment that figures bearing this mark originate in the far East and, as the numbers are increasing, it would appear that they are still being produced.
Blue Line Double Fork Mark (Line Slit At Both Ends)
by: Charles (South Africa)

This is an extremely capricious mark. I have spent the past seven months researching; to little avail. It is definitely not one of the Rudolstadt/Volkstedt manufacturers, (I've personally contacted Aelteste Volkstedter Porzellanmanufaktur).
Recently, I came across a pair of figures (a gallant & his lady dressed in 18/19th century garb), bearing this mark with a very, very faint pseudo shield mark of L. Straus & Sonne alongside.
This pair and the allegorical figures that I've seen are artistically decorated very poorly and not of the Thuringia standard.
So to conclude; I agree with Peter & John that this mark is either from the Far East or a Russian state.

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