Limoges Porcelain Identification and Value Guide

When valuing Limoges porcelain, savvy dealers and collectors give high marks for top-notch decor featuring finely detailed and skillful hand painting. Pieces signed by a notable artist are also desirable.

Examples decorated with transfers, which simulate hand painting but can be detected upon close inspection, are generally not as valuable as those that are hand decorated unless painting is very poorly executed. This can present with some pieces that were decorated by amateur porcelain painters...MORE rather than factory or more proficient artists. Of course, if an item  the decorated with transfers is extremely rare, then it can still be quite valuable.

Condition also plays an integral part in determining value. This means that a piece should be free of chips, cracks, and damage to the painting. Those top notch pieces will be worth far more than examples with one or more condition issues. 

The pieces in this guide are varied in terms of quality and desirability in order to provide an overview of the potential value of this type of porcelain. As savvy collectors know, the term Limoges references many different companies that did business in the Limoges region of France rather than one manufacturer or decorator. 

About the lot shown above:

This lot includes 24 dinner plates, 12 salad plates, 12 soup bowls, 12 butter and bread plates, 24 cups with saucers, and one large serving dish. The serving plates are marked on the reverse in French because the set was not intended for export. Sets intended for the American market would be stamped in English. Condition: excellent. Size of largest piece: 17" x 13 1/4".

Selling price: $360 (Morphy Auctions - 10/11)

Occupational shaving mugs can be very expensive depending on the type of occupation reflected in the decor and who originally owned it. This one is inscribed in gilt: "John Brandmeier," and shows a baker removing loaves of bread from the oven. It has full light blue paint on back. Marked T&V Limoges France on the bottom. No cracks, chips, or repairs. Condition: excellent. Size: 3 1/2" tall.

Selling price: $660 (Morphy Auctions - 10/11)

Large and beautifully decorated Limoges punch sets are quite desirable. This one is marked T & V Limoges (Tressemann & Vogt) with an inscription by the decorator "Harry from Violette June 16 1905" on bottom. Exceptionally decorated set with grape motif comprised of a large punch bowl, matching pedestal, and four sherbets/goblets. Size: punch bowl 13 1/8" wide, goblets/sherbets 3 1/4" top opening. Condition: excellent.

Selling price: $2,350 (Sold by:...MORE www.rubylane.com/shop/labazaar - Date: 2011)

Leaf shaped nappy marked W.G. & Co. hand painted with violets. Size: 5 3/4" long. Condition: Excellent.

Selling price: $125 (Sold by: www.rubylane.com/shop/theporcelainartoflimoges - Date: 2011)

American Indian chief charger marked L.R.L. Limoges France with chief's name on the back – Chief Stranger Horse. Signed by artist "Bazanan". Size: 13 3/8" wide. Condition: excellent, with only minor factory white ware imperfections.

Selling price: $600 (Sold by: www.rubylane.com/shop/labazaar - Date: 2011)

Chocolate pot made and decorated by Bawo & Dotter (Elite Works) Limoges. Hand painted and signed by the artist "Felix". Size: 10 1/4" tall. Condition: Excellent. See the mark shown on this piece here.

Selling price: $400 (Sold by: www.rubylane.com/shop/theporcelainartoflimoges - Date: 2011)

Redon Limoges chocolate cup and saucer decorated with roses. Marked with the Limoges Martial Redon Mark underglaze white ware mark in green without “FRANCE”. Size: 2 3/4" tall cup, saucer 4 1/4" in diameter. Condition: excellent.

Selling price: $100 (Sold by: www.rubylane.com/shop/almysfabulousfinds - Date: 2011)

T & V (Tressemann & Vogt) nicely hand painted orange poppies vase with glass overglaze. Size: 13 1/2" tall. Condition: Excellent.

Selling price: $450 (Sold by: www.rubylane.com/shop/theporcelainartoflimoges - Date: 2011)

Hand painted platter with nicely detailed chicken / rooster decor. Artist signed "MH 1905". Size: 16" x 12". Marked: Haviland France. Condition: Excellent.

Selling price: $550 (Sold by: www.rubylane.com/shop/theporcelainartoflimoges - Date: 2011)

Hand painted Haviland Limoges France plate depicting colorful fruit with golden rim. Artist signed "La Rue" and marked "D'Arcy's Hand Painted". Size: 8 1/2". Condition: very good with minor surface scratches.

Selling price: $100 (Sold by: www.rubylane.com/shop/almysfabulousfinds - Date: 2011)