Marks on Limoges Boxes and other Porcelains
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 may 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.
Probably French Limoges Marks, but no Information
Fake Limoges marks are shown on the home page. Below are marks that are appear to be French Limoges marks, but there's no information about the maker.
                                                  
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