What do the numbers mean on West German pottery?
The first three digits indicate the vase design or run in the factory. An example below shows two different vases with different coloured glazes but of the same design – both marked with the digits 289. The final two digits are the vase’s height to the nearest centimetre.
How can you tell German pottery?
How to Identify German Pottery
- Identify the manufacturer’s mark, usually found on the bottom of the pottery piece.
- Make note of the texture of the glaze.
- Make note of the color of the glaze.
- Make note of the shape of the pottery piece.
When were items marked West Germany?
Knowing this bit of history makes it relatively easy to date costume jewelry with the West Germany marks to the time period between 1949 and 1990. Identifying stamps vary with the region. These marks include WEST GERMANY, MADE IN WEST GERMANY, W. GERMANY, MADE IN WESTERN GERMANY, and WESTERN GERMANY.
How old is made in West Germany?
Before WWII (1945) it was always “Made in Germany” or simply “Germany”. From 1945 to 1949, before the “Federal Republic of Germany” was established, mostly no identification was used, but occasionally, merely depending on the availability of components, also “Made in Germany” is found.
How do you identify German porcelain marks?
Manufacturers paint or imprint their porcelain piece with an identifying mark that helps customers distinguish the piece from competing products. On most German porcelain pieces, the manufacturer’s mark sits at the bottom of the porcelain piece.
What do numbers on the bottom of a vase mean?
There are marks that indicate a specific mold called a mold number. These numbers often look like dates such as 1953 or 1789. It is rare that a piece of pottery will have a date stamped or embossed into its base. If a number looks like a date or a year, it is most likely a mold number.
How do I know if my vase is antique?
How to Tell If a Vase Is Antique
- Look for a mark on the bottom of the vase.
- Look at the composition of the glass.
- Look at the bottom of the vase.
- Look for an overmark, which is a stamp placed on the bottom of a vase over the original maker’s mark.
How do you date German porcelain?
A Step by Step Guide on How to Identify Antique German Porcelain Marks
- Step 1: Locate the Manufacturer’s Mark.
- Step 2: Note the Glaze’s Texture.
- Step 3: Note the Glaze’s Color.
- Step 4: Note the Shape of Your Porcelain Piece.
- Step 5: Use Your Observations for Research.
How can you tell if a vase is vintage?
Check the Bottom Gently flip the vase over so you are looking directly at its bottom, and scan for distinctive signatures or logos. Such marks often include the name of the company that manufactured the vase, as well as the name of its designer or artist.