Tips and warnings

The porcelain manufacturer’s mark will be under the glaze and directly on the porcelain. This mark is added before any decoration has taken place and is called a “whiteware” mark. Any marks made over the glaze were added by the decorator, importer or retailer.
The McKinley Tariff Law went into effect in 1891 and all imported goods after that time were required to be marked with the name of the country of origin. All Limoges items lacking the word “France” were manufactured before 1891.

Remove any lid before checking for a mark, you don’t want to damage your piece, or have to purchase a piece you didn’t want.

Authentic French Limoges porcelain since late 19th Century may have a variety of marks:

MAKER: The mark of the factory in Limoges that casts and fires the porcelain to make the white porcelain blank or whiteware is under the glaze or impressed into the porcelain. The makers mark is often just Limoges France in various scripts and colors. Since c1891, US law has required the country of origin to be marked on imported goods, but authentic pieces not intended for export often lack the France mark.

DECORATOR: A decorator’s mark will be over the glaze and subject to wear. When the maker also decorates the piece, they may add a second decorator mark, or it may have one mark for pieces it intends to decorate and a different mark for pieces to be sold as undecorated blanks or whiteware. Decorating companies often have a stamped or printed mark, but some hand write marks. Individual artists and small studios normally hand write marks. Porcelain painting was a very popular hobby around 1900, and a lot of porcelain was decorated and signed by hobbyists. The decorating mark commonly includes an indication of how it was decorated: Peint main for hand painted, Rehaussee main for hand highlighting of decal decoration, decor main meaning something was done by hand. Some older porcelain marked peint main or hand painted is actually just highlighted – always judge the work, not just the mark.

IMPORTER: The larger importers usually are involved in design and decoration and brand their Limoges boxes. Some importer marks are Sinclair Limoges, Rochard, Chamart, La Gloriette, Rose Decor, and many more.

RETAILER: Some pieces also have the name of the retailer, such as Nieman Marcus or Tiffany, who was probably also the importer.

Need to see the item in question !! There is no Limoges mark like this that I can find or that I am aware of !!

Thanks for your reply- I believe it to be one of the factories of Limoges of which of course there are several – as it was purchased at a house sale in the City of Limoges, France – so although it is possible it was sent away to be decorated – I think it is unlikely. Thank you for your help – a bientôt

Why do you think it is anyone in particular ?? Can you read at least part of the words/letters on the lower mark ?? That line is blurred !! Can you post a pic of the item with the mark on it ?? Just because the backstamp says Limoges, France,, that does not necessarily mean it was decorated there !! Many pieces were bought as blanks by other decorating studios as well as exported to the U.S. and decorated by amateurs !!