Is this a Villeroy and Boch? Pottery Mark Photo

by Julie
(Grand Ledge, MI)

Is this a Villeroy and Boch? Pottery Mark Query:- I received a chocolate set from my father a few years ago. He picked it up at an auction sale, not because he thought it might be valuable, but because he knew I would love it. It has a mark that looks very similar to Villeroy and Boch, but I can't find an exact match of this mark. Is this set Villeroy and Boch? What time period? If not, do you have any ideas of other makers I should look at, or approximate years to consider?

Thanks,

Julie

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Reply from Peter (admin) below - just scroll down

HOW I MADE MONEY FROM BITS & BOBS OF OLD CHINA .....more

Reply by Peter (admin)

To: Is this a Villeroy and Boch? Pottery Mark Query

Hi Julie

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UPDATE:-

A linguist has visited this pottery mark query and commented that, in her view this cannot be Villeroy & Boch simply for the fact that the word "est" which is an English abbreviation of "established" would never be used by a German maker as the word does not exist in German. The German word is "etabliert" and therefore would be abbreviated to "eta" or similar.

The similarity to V & B marks suggests to me a faker may be in operation. Whether it is a modern faker or older one would be suggested by looking at the wares more closely. The Japanese post WW2 were good at this, as are the modern day Chinese.
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end update {original answer continues below unedited}.....

Thanks for your interesting query, and for sending in some great photos. I really appreciate the time and trouble you took to contact the site and join the Newsletter friends.

The mark is probably not Villeroy & Boch in my humble opinion. Why?

Well, the earliest start date for Villeroy & Boch is normally given as 1748 when François Boch began manufacturing ceramic tableware in the village of Audun-le-Tiche in the Duchy of Lorraine.

As far as I can see from the picture, the date says 'Est. 1828'?

Although the pottery mark is very similar to the many variations of the circular V & B marks, I have never before seen a genuine Villeroy & Boch mark without the extra markings of V & B or Mettlach. The detail is also different.

So while I can tell you who the maker isn't, unfortunately I can't tell you who it is.

I hope this helps you with your very nice set.

Best regards

Peter (admin)

p.s. The following page is a 'must see' if you are researching fine china - for value and identification:-

Researching the identity and value of antique and vintage fine china.

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