Meissen Compote with Cherubs - Real or Fake? - Pottery Mark Query

by David
(United States)

Meissen Compote with Cherubs - Real or Fake? - Pottery Mark Query: I have a large compote with Cherubs on the base and many hand appliqued flowers all over it. It has a crossed sword mark. Is there any way you can take a look at it and tell me what you think?

Thanks so much for offering to help - your opinion is more well grounded in this field than mine so I would appreciate any info (maker, value) you can supply concerning this piece.

Much appreciated!

David

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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:- Meissen Compote with Cherubs - Real or Fake? - Pottery Mark Query

Dear David

Thanks for your interesting query and your pictures. Well, this is an interesting one.

First to say, being no expert appraiser (especially not on antique German porcelain - English bone china is more my thing) I can only do the same as you - look at the evidence and make a judgement call.

Here's what I found. In the photo above you will see I have compared the real Meissen mark from c.1860 to the mark on your piece.

On the left is the genuine Meissen pottery mark and wares. On the right is your compote.

Your 'Meissen' pottery mark doesn't look right to me! Not enough flourish or finesse. Just plain wrong. In fact, it is so bad I believe most people could do a better job if they were trying to emulate the real older hand painted Meissen mark.

However, that said, a lot of skill and hand-work has gone into your compote. Interestingly, you can see that your item is a close replica of a genuine Meissen compote dating from the 19th Century and worth in excess of $1000 USD. There are interesting small differences - all to do with finesse and artistry (unfortunately, I don't have a better picture of the genuine Meissen compote).

Your compote is likely a more recent repro of the older Meissen compote. Whether it is by a well known antique faker (these items are valuable in their own right) or from a modern repro maker, I don't know.

The only way you will get to know which scenario applies to your compote is if you bite the bullet and get a professional appraisal.

Hope this helps. Good luck with your research!

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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