Davies Antiques

I have found that many customers and potential customers are interested to see examples of Meissen that they may not have seen before. I have had numerous requests from clients who would like the offer of a similar example to the one sold. I also try where I can to add as much information as possible about the piece, such as the modeller and the first date of manufacture.

Restoration can have a negative impact on price. This is more apparent for table wares than for figures and groups. If a plate is cracked its price could be halved or worse depending on its rarity. If it has a very small rim chip that has been well restored its value might only be reduced by twenty or twenty five percent.

Figures or groups, some of which might have survived for two hundred and fifty years, can be regarded with suspicion if offered as perfect. Occasionally, a mint perfect piece will turn up but this is the exception rather than the rule. Most collectors have accepted that eighteenth and to a lesser extent nineteenth century models are entitled to a little damage, as long as it is restricted to peripheral areas such as fingers, toes or chips to a hat or flowers. If arms have been broken, feet missing or the head has been detached from the body the model is best ignored unless it has a high rarity value.

A cancellation mark on Meissen porcelain is an incised line or lines through the blue crossed swords. It can also be under or along side the crossed swords. Explaining the different cancellation marks is not an exact science; even the Meissen Museum is not able to give a definitive ruling. A single line on a piece to table ware is likely to denote that the article was decorated outside the Meissen Manufactory; whereas a single line on a figure or group is more likely to mean that there is a firing fault, such as a crack that has developed during firing and has been filled. Such pieces are still likely to be decorated inside the Manufactory. Some items may have more three or more cancellation marks and it is thought that these may be experimental pieces or items which the Meissen painters could decorate and sell privately.

There is no doubt that over the last thirty five years I have found that Meissen has proved to be a sound investment. It also has the added attraction of being able to give a great deal of satisfaction to the eye of the beholder. I have never encouraged anyone to buy Meissen solely as an investment. It must excite and the ownership must give pleasure. Once you are hooked you must decide which period and discipline you wish to collect: eighteenth century figures or vases, nineteenth century figures or items from the Art Nouveau or Art Deco periods. There is a period of nearly three hundred years from which to choose. The principle that I advocate is that you always buy quality in which ever sphere of Meissen you decide to collect, which may mean on occasions spending more than you really want to. However it is this eye for quality that will turn your hobby into an investment.

The most obvious way is by reading. There are many books on the market some, which can be found on Ebay, others through specialist book dealers. It would take to long to list them all. However, one that I can recommend wholeheartedly - because it is a book that I published myself - focuses on Meissen dogs, describing the models produced between 1875-1925 and explaining the processes of their production. The book can be purchased via my web site. In my view the best way to learn is by handling the porcelain but this is not easily accomplished. One way is by viewing at auction; another is to forge a relationship with a dealer who is only too happy to show you his stock and to explain some of the pitfalls that he can help you avoid. A lot of money can be saved, especially in the early years of collecting by creating a relationship with a dealer that you trust, thereby benefiting from the knowledge that has taken him decades to accumulate.