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Old Abbey Limoges Marks Identification: Expert Guide
Unraveling the Mystique of Old Abbey Limoges Marks
The Old Abbey Limoges marks are more than just stamps—they’re symbols of a storied heritage tied to the Latrille Frères factory. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their significance, based on available information:
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Primary Mark Characteristics: The hallmark of Old Abbey Limoges is a factory mark featuring “Limoges France” encircling a central star, often accompanied by “Old Abbey” written in a banner style. This mark, found on the bottom of pieces, authenticates them as products of the Latrille Frères factory, which operated in the early 20th century. Contrary to common belief, “Old Abbey” is not a pattern but a tribute to the Latrille brothers’ father, who ran the factory in a former abbey before his sons took over.
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Historical Context (1908–1913): The Latrille Frères factory, active around 1899–1908, produced Old Abbey Limoges pieces primarily between 1908 and 1913, as noted in listings for rare dinner plates and soup bowls. These dates help collectors pinpoint the age of their items, with marks from this period often indicating hand-painted designs like raised gold oak leaves and acorns.
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Variations and Additional Marks: Some pieces bear additional marks, such as “HC” (indicating Henri Créanges, a key figure in production) or retailer-specific stamps like “Made in France for JL Hudson Detroit” or “Macy’s.” These marks reflect collaborations with American retailers in the 1920s–1930s, enhancing their collectible value. For example, a blue and gold pattern retailed by JL Hudson was identified as the “CRG58” pattern by Créanges.
- Artist Signatures: Many Old Abbey Limoges pieces feature artist signatures, such as “Max” on a red tulip plate or “Barbarin” on a fish set, adding to their uniqueness and value. These signatures indicate hand-painted craftsmanship, a hallmark of high-quality Limoges porcelain, as dealers prioritize finely detailed, hand-decorated items.
Understanding the Marks
The Old Abbey mark, often mistaken as the pattern, is actually a factory mark honoring the Latrille brothers' father, who operated the Latrille Freres factory. This mark not only authenticates the piece but also serves as a testament to the rich family history behind the brand. To determine whether a piece is a true Old Abbey Limoges antique, one must look for these marks on the bottom of the piece.
Understanding Old Abbey Limoges MarksThe Old Abbey Limoges marks are more than just stamps—they’re symbols of a storied heritage tied to the Latrille Frères factory. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their significance, based on available information:
- Primary Mark Characteristics: The hallmark of Old Abbey Limoges is a factory mark featuring “Limoges France” encircling a central star, often accompanied by “Old Abbey” written in a banner style. This mark, found on the bottom of pieces, authenticates them as products of the Latrille Frères factory, which operated in the early 20th century. Contrary to common belief, “Old Abbey” is not a pattern but a tribute to the Latrille brothers’ father, who ran the factory in a former abbey before his sons took over
-
Historical Context (1908–1913): The Latrille Frères factory, active around 1899–1908, produced Old Abbey Limoges pieces primarily between 1908 and 1913, as noted in listings for rare dinner plates and soup bowls. These dates help collectors pinpoint the age of their items, with marks from this period often indicating hand-painted designs like raised gold oak leaves and acorns.
Variations and Additional Marks: Some pieces bear additional marks, such as “HC” (indicating Henri Créanges, a key figure in production) or retailer-specific stamps like “Made in France for JL Hudson Detroit” or “Macy’s.” These marks reflect collaborations with American retailers in the 1920s–1930s, enhancing their collectible value. For example, a blue and gold pattern retailed by JL Hudson was identified as the “CRG58” pattern by Créanges.
Artist Signatures: Many Old Abbey Limoges pieces feature artist signatures, such as “Max” on a red tulip plate or “Barbarin” on a fish set, adding to their uniqueness and value. These signatures indicate hand-painted craftsmanship, a hallmark of high-quality Limoges porcelain, as dealers prioritize finely detailed, hand-decorated items.
The Allure of Old Abbey Limoges
The allure of Old Abbey Limoges lies not just in their historical significance, but also in the beauty and craftsmanship of each item. From plates hand-painted with violets and Lily of the Valley flowers to soup bowls exhibiting intricate designs, each piece offers a glimpse into the artistic prowess of the time. These pieces are not just dinnerware; they are works of art, each telling a story of a bygone era.
Craftsmanship and PatternsOld Abbey Limoges is celebrated for its meticulous artistry, with patterns that reflect the era’s aesthetic. Here’s a deeper look at the craftsmanship and designs associated with these marks:
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Hand-Painted Excellence: Pieces like plates, teacups, and fish sets often feature hand-painted motifs, such as pink roses, violets, lilies of the valley, or nautical themes like fish and seashells. For instance, a 15-piece fish set from 1921 showcases hand-painted fish with gold scrolling, signed by artist Barbarin, highlighting the skill involved.
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Gold Accents and Rarity: Sets with raised gold designs, like oak leaves and acorns, are particularly rare, as noted in listings for dinner plates and soup bowls in excellent condition. These pieces, dating to 1908–1913, are prized for their minimal wear and lack of chips or cracks, making them highly sought after by collectors.
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Unique Patterns and Retail Collaborations: Patterns like the “CRG58” (blue and gold) or pink floral swags with yellow cross borders were produced for specific retailers, such as JL Hudson or Macy’s, in the 1920s–1930s. These bespoke designs, often without a named pattern due to their hand-painted nature, add to their exclusivity.
Collecting Old Abbey Limoges is a rewarding experience, offering both aesthetic
pleasure and a tangible connection to history. Enthusiasts can find a variety of these pieces on online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay, where both unique and custom, handmade pieces are available for purchase. Each piece, whether a plate, bowl, or trinket box, adds a distinct charm to any collection.
Valuing Old Abbey
When valuing Limoges porcelain, dealers and collectors give high marks for decor featuring finely detailed and skillful hand painting. The value of Old Abbey Limoges pieces can vary greatly depending on factors like condition, rarity, and the detail of the artwork. As such, it's important for potential buyers to do thorough research and possibly seek professional appraisals before purchasing.
Valuing Old Abbey LimogesDetermining the value of Old Abbey Limoges pieces involves assessing their marks, condition, and rarity. Here’s what collectors should know:
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Market Value: Values vary based on the piece and condition. A 50-piece “CRG58” set from the 1920s–1930s retailed by JL Hudson was valued at $300–$350, while a partial dinner service with pink floral swags (circa 1920) was appraised at $500. Rare sets, like a 15-piece fish set or a seven-piece teacup set from the 1910s, can fetch higher prices due to their artistry and scarcity.
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Condition Matters: Collectors prioritize pieces with no chips, cracks, or crazing. For example, a set of four dinner plates with raised gold designs was described as “excellent” with minimal utensil marks, increasing its appeal. Perfect condition, especially for items over a century old, significantly boosts value.
- Where to Find Them: Old Abbey Limoges pieces are available on platforms like Etsy, eBay, and Chairish, where unique and custom items, such as teacup sets or tapas dishes, are listed. Auction sites like liveauctioneers.com feature larger sets, like a 15-piece fish set, appealing to serious collectors
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Tips for Identifying Authentic Old Abbey LimogesEnsuring authenticity is critical when collecting Old Abbey Limoges. Here are key tips to verify genuine pieces:
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Check the Marks: Look for the “Limoges France” with a central star and “Old Abbey” in a banner on the base. Additional marks like “HC” or retailer stamps (e.g., “JL Hudson”) confirm authenticity. Fakes may lack these details or use incorrect colors like light blue or gold instead of green or black underglaze marks.
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Examine Craftsmanship: Authentic pieces feature hand-painted designs with fine details, often signed by artists. Poorly executed painting or transfer decals suggest lower quality or reproductions.
- Research Provenance: Pieces tied to specific retailers or periods (e.g., 1908–1913) are more likely to be genuine. Consult resources like infofaience.com for mark comparisons or appraisers via justanswer.com for expert verification.
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Check the Marks: Look for the “Limoges France” with a central star and “Old Abbey” in a banner on the base. Additional marks like “HC” or retailer stamps (e.g., “JL Hudson”) confirm authenticity. Fakes may lack these details or use incorrect colors like light blue or gold instead of green or black underglaze marks.
Why Old Abbey Limoges Matters
The Old Abbey Limoges marks are more than identifiers—they embody a legacy of family tradition, artistic excellence, and cultural heritage. Each piece, from a delicate teacup to a rare fish platter, tells a story of the Latrille Frères factory and its artisans. Collectors value these items not just for their beauty but for their connection to Limoges’ porcelain history, as highlighted by sources like limogesboutique.com and mountainairevintage.com. Whether you’re hunting for a rare Limoges antique on Etsy or admiring a signed plate at an auction, understanding these marks deepens your appreciation for their craftsmanship.Call to Action: Have you come across an Old Abbey Limoges piece in your collection? Share your finds or questions in the comments below! For more on antique Limoges porcelain, French porcelain marks, or collecting tips, subscribe to our blog.
The Old Abbey Limoges marks are more than just identifiers; they are symbols of a rich heritage of craftsmanship and artistry. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of antique porcelain, understanding these marks and the history behind them can enrich your appreciation for these beautiful pieces. So the next time you come across an Old Abbey Limoges piece, take a moment to admire not just its beauty, but also the story it tells through its distinctive marks.
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