Germany 1
Germany
Germany has a rich history in earthenware, porcelain and piggy banks. The lucky pig “Gluckschweinchen” is a typical German heritage. Germany produced for the inner market as well for export. In such quantities that the UK (and USA) decided, for protection of their own goods, that from 1887 on an inscription “Made in Germany” had to be stamped on all imported German goods.
RITZENHOFF produces nice piggy banks with decors from well known artists. Regrettably nowadays only with plastic stoppers.
The type showed above is rather common. However there is quite a difference between genuine Waechtersbach and imitation. Waechtersbach is an old German company (1832) but produces also in the USA.
Dating German Ceramics, if there is any clue on it is not easy. But there is a little grip to hold on:
• From 1887 till 1945 MADE IN GERMANY
• From 1946 till 1990 MADE IN WEST GERMANY or W-GERMANY
• From 1946 till 1990 MADE IN GDR or GERMAN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
• From 1990 on: MADE IN GERMANY