Hutschenreuther Mark

Q: I got two different sets of dishes from my Grandmother. The full service is in storage. This crown mark with “Hutschenreuther” above and “Abt. Paul Muller, Selb” below, is on the bottom of the dishes. Can you tell me who made them? Are they valuable and do I need to insure them?

A: Your dishes were made by the Paul Muller division of Hutschenreuther. This mark was used from 1928 to 1943. Hutschenreuther Porcelain Factory was founded by Carolus Magnus in Hohenburg, Bavaria, in 1814. A second factory was established in Selb, Germany, in 1857. The letters “Abt.” are an abbreviation for “Abteilung,” the German word for “Department.” Paul Muller Porcelain Factory became a division of Hutschenreuther in 1917. Fifty years ago, many brides got a set of “fine china” as well as a set of everyday dishes. Sets of dishes don’t sell well today. Young people want dishes that can be put in the microwave and dishwasher. Most sets of dishes are covered in the insurance on the contents of the house. Ask your insurance company about your policy.