The following antique is from the living estate of Ailene & Buddy Ford; noted dealers and lifelong collectors of valuable antique & vintage heirlooms. The AEAA is very pleased to present this handsome Bavarian porcelain hand painted courting figures in late 18th century dress. Finished in the great florals Meissen style, the cover enamels are bright & rich, and the pair is set upon an oval gilded plinth. The base carries a Germany block stamp, noted from ca. 1900 to 1930, and there is a Bindenschild (beehive) which we believe represents Karlsbad Porcelain Factory of Carl Knoll. Originally founded in Fischern, Bohemia in 1848, Carl Knoll survive in production for almost 100 years (see history below). This particular bindenschild was used from ca. 1883 to 1906, which corresponds to the Germany mark. The mold is a fine domed press mold, with a telltale tiny weep hole, validating the 1900 age. Our couple stands 5.75 x 4.25 x 6.25 inches tall, weighing 2# 2 oz., and is in excellent condition. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. The Karlsbad (Carlsbad) Porcelain Factory of Carl Knoll was originally founded in the burg of Fischern, Bohemia, Austria in 1848. Originally, a kaolin processing plant was founded by Knoll in 1842, business was so dynamic that he expanded in 1848 and began porcelain production. Carl and the company expanded developing a fine reputation, but in 1868, Carl passed, and his sons Adolf, Karl, and Ludwig immediately began to expand the business capabilities. Another of Knoll's sons Gustav, built a kiln factory around 1873, and in 1877, the first decorated blue porcelain was produced. Initial wares encompassed Ice Cream, Tea, Coffee, and washing / grooming sets and display plates. In 1895, the Karlsbad Porcelain Factory expanded into major works of fine decorative art, including jardinieres, highly decorative luxury services, large vessels, and Encaustic style wall tiles. Export began to the USA in this time, and although the company had been forbidden from using an 1883 banded escutcheon (Beehive) mark in Europe, no one seemed to object to it being used as an export mark to America. By 1900, the family ownership had waned, and in 1903 the factory was owned by Anton Weber, Wilhelm Lorenz, Alfred Lorenz, and Karl Knoll. The 1920s saw the introduction of a successful line of Onion pattern tableware was produced, and by 1937, almost 450 were employed in the plant. Karl divested his ownership in 1925, and subsequent partners were Ernst Mayer & Heinrich Endres in 1835, then finally Ernst Mayer and Mathilde Endres in 1944, until 1945 when the factory closed.

XA - P130 *** excellent condition