Badonviller is a town in the Grand Est region of France, which was an important centre of earthenware production in the 19th century. The Badonviller faience factories produced mainly utilitarian pieces such as plates, platters, vases, pots and planters, as well as architectural elements such as earthenware tiles for fireplaces and walls.
To date Badonviller earthenware, it is important to take into account several criteria, in particular:
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Marks or stamps: The Badonviller faience factories used different marks over the years. For example, between 1818 and 1830, the Lévy family faience factory used a fleur-de-lys mark, while the Friez Frères faience factory used a crown-shaped mark between 1875 and 1895. The presence of a mark on a piece of faience can therefore help to approximately date the object.
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Decorative styles and motifs: Badonviller earthenware was produced in a variety of styles over the years, ranging from Neoclassical and Rococo to Art Nouveau. Decorative motifs, such as flowers, fruits, birds, landscapes and figures, can also help identify the period of production of a piece.
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Colors and Glazes: The colors used on Badonviller faience have also evolved over time. For example, faience produced in the 1850s-1860s often have softer, pastel colors, while faience produced in the 1890s-1910s uses more vivid, saturated colors. Glazes can also vary depending on the period of production.
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Production techniques: The production techniques of earthenware have also evolved over time, and this can be reflected in the quality of the piece, its shape and its weight.
Badonviller faience was produced for over a century, from 1765 until the last faience factory closed in the 1960s. The stamps on the faience pieces can vary depending on the production period, the faience factory and the owners. Here are some examples of common stamps depending on the production periods:
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Period from 1765 to 1812: The first Badonviller earthenware factories were often marked with a fleur-de-lys and/or the name of the owner, such as "L'Esperance".
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Period 1812 to 1830: From this period onwards, common stamps include a laurel wreath and/or the initials "BL" for the Lévy family pottery.
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Period 1830-1870: Common stamps often include an imperial eagle to commemorate Napoleon III's visit to Lorraine in 1869, as well as initials or owners' names such as "HF" for Huguette Frères.
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Period from 1870 to 1900: Common stamps often include the name "Badonviller" accompanied by a representation of the French flag.
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Period from 1900 to 1930: Common stamps often include the name "Badonviller" surrounded by a laurel wreath.
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Period from 1930 to 1960: Current stamps often include the name "Badonviller" accompanied by the acronym "B & Cie" for Badonviller et Compagnie.
Badonviller earthenware stamped with a four-towered castle in the shape of a shield was produced by the Badonviller earthenware factory in France during the Art Nouveau period, between 1890 and 1914.
Badonviller pieces stamped "Porcelaine Opaque" in blue block letters were produced in the 1920s and 1930s. This period corresponds to the Art Deco period.
It is important to note that these stamps are common examples, but there may be variations depending on the pottery and the owners. Additionally, some pieces may not be stamped at all. In any case, examining the stamps on a piece of pottery can provide important clues about its production period and origin.
Using these criteria, along with other factors such as the provenance and history of the object, it is often possible to roughly date Badonviller faience. However, if you want a more precise assessment, it may be helpful to consult a ceramics expert or collector who specializes in Badonviller faience.