Limoges “Chine Petit Panier Chinois” China Set

When valuing Limoges porcelain, savvy dealers and collectors give high marks for top-notch decor featuring finely detailed and skillful hand painting. Pieces signed by a notable artist are also desirable.

Examples decorated with transfers simulate hand painting but can be detected upon close inspection. They are generally not as valuable as those that are hand decorated unless the painting is very poorly executed. This can be present with some pieces that were ateur porcelain painters rather than the factory or more proficient artists. Of course, if an item decorated with transfers is extremely rare, then it can still be quite valuable.

The condition also plays an integral part in determining value. This means that a piece should be free of chips, cracks, and damage to the painting. Pieces in pristine condition will be worth far more than examples with one or more condition issues.

The pieces in this guide are varied in terms of quality and desirability to provide an overview of the potential value of this type of porcelain. Also, keep in mind that the term Limoges references many different companies that did business in the Limoges region of France rather than one manufacturer or decorator.

This lot included 24 dinner plates, 12 salad plates, 12 soup bowls, 12 butter and bread plates, 24 cups with saucers, and one large serving dish. The serving plates are marked on the reverse in French because the set was not intended for export. Sets intended for the American ped in English.

Condition: Excellent
Size: Serving dish is 17 inches by 13 1/4 inches
Selling price: $360 (Morphy Auctions, 2011)

Full sets of china are more valuable than single pieces or smaller groupings. Though many have been broken up over the years, it’s entirely possible to find many beautiful complete sets such as this.

Tressemann & Vogt Limoges Shaving Mug

Occupational shaving mugs can be very expensive depending on the type of occupation reflected in the decor and who originally owned it. This one is inscribed in gilt “John Brandmeier,” and shows a baker removing loaves of bread from the oven. It has full light blue paint on the back and is marked T&V Limoges France on the bottom. No cracks, chips, or repairs.

Condition: Excellent
Size: 3 1/2 inches tall
Selling price: $660 (Morphy Auctions, 2011)

The ornate painting on this piece that includes a baker adds significantly to its value. Many other mugs simply include a floral pattern or some other design that’s not specific to the owner’s occupation but does include his name. It’s common for those pieces to sell for under $100.

Tressemann & Vogt Limoges Punch Bowl Set

Large and beautifully decorated Limoges punch sets are quite desirable. This one is marked T & V Limoges (Tressemann & Vogt) with an inscription by the decorator “Harry from Violette June 16, 1905″ on the bottom. It’s an exceptionally decorated set with a grape motif comprised of a large punch bowl, matching pedestal, and four sherbets or goblets.

Condition: Excellent
Size: Punchbowl is 13 1/8 inches wide, sherbets are 3 1/4 inches wide
Selling price: $2,350 (LA Bazaar on Ruby Lane, 2011)

The high price of this punch set is not out of range considering the ornate painting and superior condition. For Tressemann & Vogt punchbowls alone, you’ll find that they range from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.

Guerin Limoges Violet Leaf Dish

A beautiful piece, this leaf-shaped nappy is marked W.G. & Co. chat avenue and hand-painted with violets. Nappies are shallow serving dishes and leaves are a popular shape for them to take. While they’re also made of glass, antique china pieces such as this are very common.