Pepper Shaker

Q: I’m trying to identify a china pattern I inherited recently. The maker’s mark says “Epiag, Aich, Made in Czechoslovakia.” I can’t find anything about the maker.

A: The Austrian government formed an association of porcelain factories known as Osterreichische Porzellan Industrie AG (Austrian Porcelain Industry) in 1918. Factories in the association used “OEPIAG” as a mark. It became Erste Bhemische Porzellan Industrie AG (First Bohemian Porcelain Industry) in 1920 and the mark became “EPIAG.” The association closed in 1933. A porcelain factory was established in Aich, Czechoslovakia, by John Mohling in 1849. The factory was sold several times beginning in 1860. It became Porcelain Factory Aich, Menzl & Co. in 1918 and was in business until 1922. Your pepper pot was made between 1920 and 1922. It was probably part of a set of pantry dishes with containers for flour, sugar, spices, etc.