WMF Wächtersbach Art Deco Blue Pansies Biscuit Box

An early 20th century, metal and ceramic biscuit box, from the Wächtersbach art and design workshops created by Christian Neureuther. Second-hand.

Availability: Out of stock.

Stock ID: 1718

What's for sale?

This is a very pretty, metal and ceramic biscuit box, made around 1910 to 1930 by the German companies WMF and Wächtersbach Keramik. The metal parts are nickel-plated brass.

The metalwork comprises a C-shaped handle, attached to the lid by two small round-headed pins and a hasp with rolled thumb catch, folding over a larger ball to close.

The pattern is referenced by "Dec. 2194" on the base, and was called "Blue Pansies". The biscuit box was part of a large range of kitchen and table ware, also available in a number of other patterns. A rectangular biscuit box was also available.

This range was not listed in the 1906 WMF catalogue, but still in their 1929 trade catalogue as 8268/2194 and available in two sizes: (8 1/4 and 10 inches long). This smaller example was available to the trade for 21 shillings 8 pence, the larger for 27 shillings.

Who made it and when?

It was made by WMF and Wächtersbach in Germany, between 1910 and 1930. The maker's mark on the base reads:

WMF
Dec 2194 (the "Blue Pansies" pattern)

Also impressed into the base are:

A shield with horizontal bands (the Wächtersbach mark)
5592/1

And on the hinge inside the box is the WMF mark from around 1910 to 1930:

A small ostrich mark inside an arch, with "WMF" and "G" beneath

What condition is it in?

Second-hand
In very good condition
No chips or cracks
There is faint crazing in the white glaze, just about visible on close inspection
Some patches of discolouration inside on the bottom
The metal has faint scratches and minor areas of tarnish, but the plating is overall still very good
The plating has worn off the top of the handle posts
The chain is still attached
The hinges, handle and hasp are all fully operational