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Way, way OT: Does anyone here know anything about RS Prusia?
cwazzy
Posts: 3,257 ✭
I am looking to sell an RS Prussia bowl to raise some funds for my card collecting addiction. Unfortunately I know nothing about it. Is there anyone on here that can help me? Thanks in advance!
Chris
Chris
Chris
My small collection
Want List:
'61 Topps Roy Campanella in PSA 5-7
Cardinal T206 cards
Adam Wainwright GU Jersey
My small collection
Want List:
'61 Topps Roy Campanella in PSA 5-7
Cardinal T206 cards
Adam Wainwright GU Jersey
0
Comments
There are a few members here that are pretty familiar with bowls. I am not one of them.
1994 Pro Line Live
TheDallasCowboyBackfieldProject
Well, according to eBay's Completed Item Search, at the low end, the bowls are virtually worthless and at the high end, could be worth several hundred dollars.
/s/ JackWESQ
Condition is paramount.
If it is NOT perfect, the discounts are HUGE.
Many EBAY sales do not stick because of VERY tiny defects.
SNAD-claims by sharpshooters are very common. There is
also a problem with "buyers" doing a switcheroo; they
return their defective piece and keep your perfect one.
...............
Quick Facts About R.S. Prussia
- Reinhold Schlegelmilch produced R.S. Prussia porcelain at his factory in the town that is now Suhl, Germany from the late 1800s through the beginning of World War I.
- Pieces bearing an "R.S. Prussia" mark in red lettering surrounded by a green wreath were made at the turn of the last century. This "red mark" is the most popular and recognized with collectors.
- The most valuable pieces of R.S. Prussia feature décor other than florals such as portraits, animals, classical themes and landscapes. Unusual objects and mold shapes are also prized by collectors.
- R.S. Prussia reproductions are plentiful, but their thick porcelain, incomplete marks and decaled decorations can be recognized fairly easily by avid collectors.
History of R.S. Prussia
Reinhold Schlegelmilch produced what collectors consider to be R.S. Prussia in his factory from the late 1800s through World War I. Pieces marked "R.S. Prussia" in red lettering surrounded by a green wreath were made at the turn of the last century. This is sometimes referred to as the "red" mark, and remains the most popular and recognized mark with dealers and collectors although many other signatures were used.
It's also good to know (according to the International Association of R.S. Prussia Collectors Web site) that most of the historical information on this type of porcelain published prior to 1994 appears to be inaccurate. Reinhold and Erdmann Schlegelmilch were long thought to be brothers jointly operating one factory, but they actually ran two different factories located in Suhl, Germany in direct competition with one another. Collecting organizations often continue research for years ferreting out truths and discarding inaccuracies, which is another good reason for joining up with them to exchange information whenever possible.
Condition Factors to Consider
Despite all the controversy over the history, when you think about the age on RSP pieces, with most being around more than 100 years now, these treasures have held up extraordinarily well. Still, all pieces need to be checked for damage before they are purchased.
Knobs on coffee pot lids, teapots and sugar bowls should receive a thorough inspection as prime candidates for being re-glued after being damaged. Running a finger along bowl edges, plates and pots will detect any rough spots where chips and less severe "chigger bites" may be hiding.
Holding pieces to the light can indicate cracks and glues used in repairs. Some people even carry a pocket-sized black light along while shopping to help detect repairs since the glue will often fluoresce when held under ultraviolet light.
Just because a piece has been repaired, especially if it's a rare item, doesn't mean it shouldn't be purchased. However, the quality of the repair should be considered when determining value. Only pieces with professionally applied repairs should bring top value on the secondary market.
Evaluating the Quality and Desirability of R.S. Prussia Pieces
When considering the desirability of R.S. Prussia, don't forget to evaluate the way it's decorated and the quality of the porcelain. Some RSP pieces were more carefully decorated than others. To fetch top value, this porcelain should be delicately crafted and finely finished.
Floral decor, generally considered more common, doesn't command as much attention as pieces featuring portraits, animals, classical and scenic themes. In addition to beautiful decorations, various finishes adorn many RSP pieces. Some have "jewels" decorated to imitate opals, others have a finish similar to the iridescent look popularized by Tiffany and Co. Lavish gold embellishments enhance many of the gaudiest, and most popular, RSP pieces.
Evaluating the various mold shapes is another interesting aspect of learning about this porcelain. Molds used vary from simple to extremely ornate, and with most avid collectors, the fancier the better. Blown out flowers, ornately shaped handles and spouts, and beautifully curving finials all add to the appeal of RSP. Chocolate pots with matching demitasse cups and dresser items such as hatpin holders and hair receivers were all made by the Schlegelmilch factory in addition to the more common bowls, plates and creamer and sugar sets most frequently found.
Identifying R.S. Prussia Reproductions
As with most expensive and popular antiques, there are reproductions being passed off as genuine R.S. Prussia too. It's wise to handle as many genuine pieces of R.S. Prussia as possible to get a feel for the real thing. When identifying RSP repros, look for:
Heavy, thick porcelain in comparison to the delicate nature of most R.S. Prussia.
Items decorated plainly with modern-looking floral decals and a lack of hand painting.
R.S. wreath marks that omit the word “Prussia.”
Mold shapes never produced by the RSP factory that have wreath marks similar to those found on genuine pieces.
SEE PAGE 2 FOR INFORMATION ON R.S. PRUSSIA VALUES
Value History for Ornately Decorated Pieces
R.S. Prussia pieces have appreciated handsomely since my mother started her collection in the 1970s. Portrait pieces mom purchased for $200 back then are easily worth $1,500 or more now. Even the more common and less popular floral decorated pieces are generally worth $100 or more, and they can be worth much more depending on the mold used to fashion the piece and how elaborately it is decorated.
Values for More Simple Lines
Those preferring simpler lines can also find RSP examples to suit their taste. Some of these pieces can be pricier than the ornate items, depending on the theme. A plain vase with a lion and tiger motif could have been marketed for $10,000 to the right collector in the past. Prices have leveled off for these items now, although these pieces are still considered rare and valuable. The same type of vase with floral decor would probably sell for under $500, if that much, even when marked.
Valuing Unsigned R.S. Prussia
A number of unsigned pieces also left the factory. Learning to recognize these can offer the most bargain potential for thrifty shoppers and dealers looking to make a profit. While signed pieces generally hold more value, especially with common floral pieces, unsigned RSP decorated with portraits and other highly desirable motifs still bring high prices. The same holds true for extra fancy mold shapes.
R.S. Prussia Price Points
Chocolate set, pot & demitasse cups, Plume mold, reflecting poppy décor - $1,680.99
Cake plate w/ pierced handle, chicken, swan and swallow décor - $1,411.00
Plate 7 ½”, Icicle mold w/ snowbird décor - $455.00
Demitasse cups/saucers, set of two, Mill Scene décor - $191.38
Creamer with petal foot and double loop handle, floral décor w/ matte finish - $85
Value source: eBay (5/06)
is that peter tosh or bob marley matt?cant ask either one of them no more
1994 Pro Line Live
TheDallasCowboyBackfieldProject
My Podcast - Now FEATURED on iTunes
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