Porcelain dinnerware was made in Germany
Q. This is a picture of one of the porcelain dinner plates in my set of china. The set is a service for 12 and includes two serving bowls (one is covered), two platters and a gravy boat. The borders are pale green and decorated with small bunches of pastel flowers. The scalloped edges are trimmed in gold. My husband purchased the set when he was stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany, in 1957. Marked on the back of each piece are the words “Hutschenreuther — Selb — L.H.S. — Bavaria — Germany — Dresden.” I would appreciate it if you could tell me what my china might be worth.
A. Carl Magnus Hutschenreuther founded Hutschenreuther Porcelain Factory in 1814 in Selb, Bavaria, Germany. He discovered rich deposits of kaolin that were used to make fine white porcelain along the River Eger. They have made porcelain dinnerware, figurines, limited-edition plates and a variety of decorative objects. Hutschenreuther Factory is still in business. Similar sets of Hutschenreuther dinnerware is selling in the range of $1,300 to $1,500 on the Internet.
Q. I have a question for you about antiques. I have a child-size porcelain tea set that is marked “Japan” in red. I have been told that porcelain from Japan that is marked in red has some value. It is hearsay, but I would like to know the truth. I have looked on the Internet and found nothing. I thought you might be able to help me. The set always sat in a cupboard, was never played with and is in mint condition. I plan to keep my set, but would like to know.
A. You didn't mention how many pieces are in your tea set or how old it might be. Usually a child's set consists of four cups, saucers and dessert plates, and a cream pitcher, sugar bowl and teapot. If your set was made during the American occupation of Japan after World War II, some collectors believe dishes that have the red marks are more desirable and more valuable.
Porcelain tea sets for children are very popular collectibles. Similar porcelain service for four tea sets that were made during the occupation of Japan can be seen selling in the range of $50 to $75.
• Address your questions to Anne McCollam, P.O. Box 247, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Items of a general interest will be answered in this column. Due to the volume of inquiries, she cannot answer individual letters.
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