Porcelain vase stars Grecian maidens
Q. Enclosed is a photo of a porcelain Limoges vase that has been in our family for well over 50 years. It was given to a relative who had been assisting a dear friend. On the base is the mark "Limoges - France" with a star in the center. The vase is hand-painted, and approximately 10 inches high and 9 inches wide. Each side is decorated with a young woman with blond hair wearing a Grecian-like gown. Gold leaf is generously applied on the edges and both handles. It is in good condition; there are no chips or cracks, but there is some wear on the handles.
In current years, we have wondered about its origin, background and approximate value. Any information would be most appreciated.
A. The mark you described was used by Latrille Freres. It produced porcelain in a factory in an old abbey in Limoges, France, from 1899 to 1913. Hand-painted porcelain decorated with classic scenes of ancient Greece was popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Your vase would probably be worth $225 to $275.
Q. I have a set of dishes that belonged to my aunt. Each piece is marked with the enclosed mark. My aunt purchased the set in 1936. She paid $25 for the entire service for 12, including the all the serving pieces. Each dish is decorated with a cream background and roses in the center. The border is embellished with a 24-karat gold lacey design. I am her goddaughter, and she gave me the set when she went into an assisted-living facility. They are placed in my china cabinet, and I rarely take them out because I don't know whether they are too valuable to use. I have researched online and found some information on Sebring China Co., but I hope you can provide more about the history and value of my dishes.
A. Sebring China Co. made semi-vitreous pottery from 1887 to 1948. First, it was located in East Liverpool, Ohio, and then in Sebring, Ohio. "Pegasus" is the name of the basic shape of the dishes, and it was decorated with a variety of patterns. "Royal Delight" is the pattern of your set; it was made from the 1930s to the 1940s. The mark with the outline of the state of Ohio was often used on Sebring China Co. dishes.
Similar sets of dinnerware made by Sebring China Co. can be found selling in the range of $200 to $250.
• 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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