1854 KPM Porcelain Collection
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GUEST:
This is part of a China set that my great-great- grandfather received from the King of Prussia. And this was in 1854, because the day before, the queen's carriage had either gotten in the hands of revolutionaries or had just gotten away, and he was there at the time and got on and stopped the carriage. And these pieces are the thank-you from the King of Prussia. The next day, they showed up on his doorstep with the letter here, and they were in a wooden box which we still have today, too, as well. So we have the translation, too, of what the letter said.
APPRAISER:
Let me read the translation that you've got for it. It says, "I have, from the high magistrate of the queen's command, the honor to bestow upon you great regard and acknowledgement of the valiant efforts given." And then the letter there has the red wax seal of the king. The porcelain is actually made in Berlin, and it's made by the Royal Berlin Porcelain factory. And let's look at the mark on the bottom. We've got a blue scepter mark there, which is the mark of that maker, which is underglazed blue, and then there's a round mark with an eagle in it, and then next to that is an orb with a cross on it, and beneath that, it says "KPM." So American collectors usually refer to this type of porcelain as KPM porcelain. And it's comparable in quality to Meissen, which is even more famous than KPM porcelain, but the quality is equally as good. Now, one thing about this set that's interesting is the interiors of the cups and the bowl next to you are painted with gold. And that's an indication of it was some of the very highest quality, most expensive porcelain made by them during that time period. Now, just the pieces themself, the teapot itself would definitely sell for over $1,000. The two pieces nearer to you would be a little less than that, and the cup and saucer would probably be at least $500 or so. So without the provenance, these pieces here would sell for between $3,000 and $5,000. However, I do believe that the provenance adds to the value. If this were being sold…and if the set would need to stay together. So the pieces here, I believe, would actually sell for between $4,000 and $6,000 or more, with the letter and all the provenance that you have.
GUEST:
I see. What would the whole group be together? There was a platter it was all served on, and I think two more pots and another cup and saucer.
APPRAISER:
Exactly, so my belief is that a retail value for the entire service, assuming it's all in good condition, with the provenance, would be somewhere between $10,000 and $15,000.
GUEST:
That's interesting.
APPRAISER:
Really a nice amount.
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