Experts in the ceramics trade, including collectors, historians and antiques dealers, state that porcelain ceramic marks have evolved over the past two hundred years while serving both mercantile and artistic audiences. Indeed, both English and Bavarian ceramics share this common evolution. In the middle period of the Industrial Revolution, near approximately 1810, pattern marks began to appear
. upon ceramic items. They served as a primitive yet effective method of improving retail ordering and inventory systems. The shopkeeper could readily identify the piece's maker and could more readily replenish stocks for his or her shelves. The largest ceramic manufacturers also took pride in their marks or brands, and consumers sought ceramic goods made by the most reputable shops. In this way, manufacturer's marks impressed into their ceramic pieces conspicuously advertised the maker and improved brand identification with purchasers. By the late 1800s, however, the inclusion of pottery marks upon ceramics took on legal significance.Under the administration of American president William McKinley, Congress formalized a protectionist trade policy within United States law. Specifically, US trade law sought the betterment of American goods producers at the expense of imports by imposing protective tariffs or taxes on the latter. Ceramics were no exception. Logically, identifying foreign-made pottery and other taxed goods required mandated identifying marks. Therefore, after 1891, Bavarian porcelain marks would include the word " Bavaria." In 1921, lawmakers amended American trade rules, and the phrase " Made in" followed by the country of origin came into wider usage. Authentic Bavarian porcelain produced for importation into the USA between 1891 and 1937should have the inscription " Bavaria" and may have the phrase " Made in Bavaria." However, the latter was not a requirement of American law. Illustrating these points, an inspection of several pieces from Bavarian firms in Tettau finds the word " Bavaria" on pieces produced after 1902marks..." More reference links: http://www.thepotteries.org/mark/general.htm http://www.porcelainmarksandmore.com/bavaria/tettau_1/00.php
