I have a large fruit bowl, which came from the farm of my husband's family in Norway. On the bottom is the mark "Opaque De Sarreguemines," "C843," and a few inches away is engraved or stamped "4W". The bowl is appx 10 inches in height, and a diameter, from edge to edge, of 11 inches. It is a greyish white, with a blue "smudged" edging. On the bowl itself you will find blue spots with what appear to be some kind of white and dark grey flower, with a yellow center, along with stems and leaves. Also, there are other spots of blue with white and grey butterflies on them - these surround the bowl itself. The foot the bowl is 6 1/2 inches with a flute leading up to the bowl itself.

The mark on the bottom is "N0 5" : Printed mark composed of the Lorraine coat-of-arms surmounted by a mural crown, and surrounded by the indication "OPAQUE DE SARREGUEMINES." There are many differences in the inside of the shield and the inclusion of dots on each side of the crown. It was used from the middle of the 19th century until the middle of the 20th century (size : approximately 2 cm). It is exactly the same as the one shown on your webpage, listed as no. 5, but no. 13/D in the guide.

I would appreciate any assistance in identifying this piece and it's appx. value. wishing you well, and thanking you in advance, Sylvia Holan

-- Sylvia Holan (jholan@gci.net), May 23, 1999

Answers

Dear Sylvia,

I'm a mad webmaster, (since I spend so many time behind my computer !), but first of all, I'm a French antiques dealer specialised in enameled ware and various other kitchen utensils.

I would prefer to see a picture of your item rather than your (anyway very detailed) written description, but at least I can mention that :

Sarreguemines is a famous French china factory, located in Lorraine (north-east of France), and the "opaque" production is considered as a must by many lovers,(opaque being a particularly fine type of earthenware, also being produced by other famous French factories like Gien or Choisy-le-Roy).

According to the size of this bowl, and its period, it represents a nice daily custom, which was to use it to drink the soup at evening time, and the coffee at breakfast. Sometimes, you may find an incredible patina given to these bowls, due to the fact that in the morning, it was very usual to finish the soup of the day before, (after the coffee), and to warm it directly in the bowl (on the stove), rather than in the soup pot, since with this last utensil, it would generaly catch ! The result is that the bowl, daily going on the hotplate, during years and years, finaly get a very particular color and aspect, inimitable...

If your bowl is in general good conditions, (without important cracks or chips etc.), its value here in France should be of approximately US$ 100 to 120.

I always have ten's of similar items for sale in my shop, and that's the price any of my collectors would pay for it.

If you want any further information, feel free to e-mail me or to send me a request form in my website : retchine@villagegare.com http://www.villagegare.com/retourdechine

-- Daniel BERTRAND (retchine@villagegare.com), June 24, 1999.

Following my previous answer, I just want to add few informations concerning Sarreguemines : The crockery industry of Sarreguemines did born in 1790. These first years will be very difficult, due to the distrust of residents, (the kilns might blaze up the town), troubled period, (it's the famous French revolution !), competition... In the early 1800's, a Bavarian, Paul Utzschneider, buy the factory, and transforms the craft activity of 18 persons into a real company of over 150 workers. In 1804, he registers a patent for his red and black earths. Napolion will appreciate these stonewares imitating hard stones, and will order several pieces in 1812. Towards 1830 is introduced the decoration proceed of imprint transfer. The expansion of the factory obliges to find new sites, and the first coal kilns for the burning of buiscuitware are built. In 1836, Paul Utzschneider commits the managering to his son-in-law, Alexandre de Geiger. This manager will immediately build new workshops, where are created the first long banks of production line. During the XIXth century, the crockery factory installs series of watermills along the local Sarre and Blies rivers. Between 1860 and 1862, they will build around 30 pottery kilns, all made as follows : the kiln is sheltered inside a kind of strange dome, (11 meters high), and is able to devour up to 9 tons of coal to bake the dishes sometimes during 70 hours ! Paul de Geiger succeeds to his father in 1871. He will build a new factory in Digoin, then another one in Vitry-le-Frangois. New decoration proceeds progressively appear : chromolithography, stencil, airbrush... He dies in 1913, then after the war, the company is managered by the Cazal family. The production steps are so numerous than it easily explains the interest given by so many worlwide lovers ; (preparation of the earths and pastes, fashioning, 1st burning, decoration, 2nd burning etc.)...

Just hoping than these few lines will improve a little bit your knowledge !

-- Daniel BERTRAND (webmaster@villagegare.com), July 02, 1999.