Porcelain figurine inspired by ancient fable
Q. This porcelain figurine of the princess and the frog was given to me years ago by an older friend. It stands about 8 inches tall and is in flawless condition. The princess and the frog have gold crowns, and the frog has a gold ball. The princess has a 3-D ribbon that cascades down her back. She is leaning forward and about to kiss the frog. Marked on the bottom of the figurine are the words "Rosenthal - Germany - 7012 - Handgemalt - L F Gronau."
What can you tell me about my figurine?
A. Rosenthal Porcelain Co. was founded by Philipp Rosenthal in Selb, Germany, in 1879. It was family-operated for many years, and the family bought several other porcelain factories. Glassware production was introduced in the 1930s, and the name became Rosenthal Glass and Porcelain Co. The owners, who were Jewish, were ousted due to German nationalism in the late 1930s. After World War II, Philip Rosenthal, son of Philipp Rosenthal, returned to Germany to attempt to reclaim the family business. By 1950, Rosenthal Glass and Porcelain Co. was operated by a Rosenthal once again. In 1997, it was taken over by Waterford Wedgwood. They went into receivership, and the factory was bought by GmbH.
The Princess and the Frog is an ages-old story of a princess who kisses a frog that then turns into a handsome eligible prince. Your figurine was designed and hand-painted by Lore Friedrich Gronau and introduced in 1948. The numbers are model numbers.
Your figurine would probably be worth $100 to $150.
Q. I have a set of china that originally belonged to my husband's mother. It was purchased in 1930. Enclosed is a photo of the mark that is on each piece. It is a five-piece service for 12. Also included are a vegetable dish with a lid, large platters, a butter dish, a gravy boat and serving bowls. Each dish is decorated with bands of gold and clusters of blue flowers placed on decorative bands. The set is in perfect condition.
Could you please tell me how much it is worth and how to sell it?
A. The mark you provided was used by Fischer and Mieg Pottery from 1918 to 1993. It was located in Pirkenhammer, Bohemia, Czechoslovakia. The crossed hammers and crown were symbols of the town Pirkenhammer. The pottery was founded by Johann List and Friedrich Hocke in 1802. In 1811, Martin Fischer and Christopher Reichenbach became the new owners. Fischer's daughter married Ludwig von Mieg in 1852, and the factory's name became Fischer and Mieg. In 1908, the factory was taken over by Wilhelm and Victor Maier. They continued to produce porcelain under the name Fischer and Mieg until it was nationalized in 1946.
Selling antique porcelain dinnerware can prove to be difficult. You might consider placing the set on consignment at an antiques shop or selling it on the internet.
Your circa-1930 set of dinnerware would probably be worth $400 to $600.
• 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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