Hammer Mark

Q: Before it goes to the charity shop, can you please tell us what these markings are on the bottom of a small bowl my Mum has?

 

A: This mark with two crossed hammers, crown, and the word “Czechoslovakia” was used from 1960 to 1990 by Manufaktura Pirkenhammer, a porcelain factory in Brezova, Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic). The porcelain factory started in Pirkenhammer, Bohemia (now Brezova, Czech Republic), in 1803. The crossed hammers symbolize Pirkenhammer. The factory changed ownership and name several times. Czechoslovakia was formed in 1918, after the end of World War I. It was separated into Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993. Manufaktura Pirkenhammer is still in business in Brezova.

 

Pirkenhammer Porcelain

Q: I inherited a 60-piece dinner set from my grandmother. The dishes are marked “Pirkenhammer Czechoslovakia” on the bottom. Is this set antique?

A: Pirkenhammer porcelain factory was founded in 1803 in Pirkenhammer, Bohemia (now Brezova, Czech Republic). This mark with crossed hammers and a crown was used after 1918, when Bohemia became part of Czechoslovakia, and before 1939, when World War II broke out in Europe. Legally, an antique is at least 100 years old. Your dinner set isn’t quite there yet, but is close. Dinner sets are hard to sell.

Skip to toolbar