Fake Limoges
Q: I bought this porcelain “egg” at a flea market in Charleston, South Carolina, about 17 years ago. It’s 11 inches high and 20 inches around. It’s marked on the back “L.F. Fine Porcelain, Limoges – P.R.C.” I’ve been unable to find any information about it and its approximate value. It’s in excellent condition. Can you help?
A: Porcelain has been made by several factories in Limoges, France, since the mid-nineteenth century. The McKinley Act, passed in 1891, mandated that all china, glass, leather, and metal goods imported into the United States be marked with the country of origin. Some sources claim the letters “P.R.C.” stand for the People’s Republic of China, which was established in 1949. Others think the letters are “P.R.G.” This image of Mary and the infant Jesus has been found on porcelain eggs of different sizes and is a decal decoration, not hand painted. It’s not possible to identify the maker, but your egg wasn’t made in Limoges, France, so it is considered “fake” Limoges. The mark is included on a list of marks used on fake Limoges boxes made in Asia. Price could be about $100 as a decorative object. Several have sold on eBay.
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“Fakes” can range from the 18th century to the present and being able to identify the real from the imposters can be quite difficult. If purchase is strictly for decoration than the only matter is price but if item(s) are for collecting, than knowledge is paramount. One of the modern give aways is mentioned in the Kovell answer which is a “decal”/”transfer” image. All collectors should be able to tell hand paint and decal images apart as it’s a “must” learn. Collecting 101