An early 20th century, metal and ceramic teapot or hot water jug, with rare pattern number 1742, with designs possibly by Max Roesler and Christian Neureuther. Second-hand.
What's for sale?
This is an attractive, metal and ceramic teapot or hot water jug, made around 1910 by German companies WMF and Wächtersbach. The ceramic is by Wächtersbach, the WMF metal work is nickel-plated brass.
Looking at similar, modern-looking patterns from the same makers, this teapot may have been part of a range of table ware. However, this pattern, referenced by the printed "Dec. 1742" on the base, is relatively rare and we are not sure which other pieces were decorated with it.
For this piece, the metalwork comprises the mounting around the rim, the top and lid, the handle and the spout. The handles are covered by wicker grips. The carry handle pivots at two points. The main handle at the side was designed not to be fixed to the ceramic, but curved so it appeared to be. The front of the lid is fixed, the back half opens. There is a small, hinged lid over the spout.
We think the original design of the teapot is from the time of Max Roesler (1840 - 1922), who was the technical and commercial director at Wächtersbach until around 1890. The pattern must be later though, and is possibly by ceramist Christian Neureuther (1869-1921), the founder of the Wächtersbach art department. Similar pots are still being listed in the 1929 WMF trade catalogue.
This range is an example of how styles evolved between Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Jugendstil developed in Germany after an 1887 publication of the Munich magazine "Jugend", promoting their local version of Art Nouveau.
Who made it and when?
It was made by WMF and Wächtersbach in Germany, around 1910. The printed and impressed maker's marks on the base read:
- The impressed Wächtersbach shield mark
- 4223 (the form number)
- The printed green triangle with geschutzt - registered - déposé was in use up to around 1911
- Dec 1742 printed in green (the decoration number)
- A large "8" also printed in green
- Under the lid is a small, worn WMF ostrich mark inside an arch, in use from around 1910 until 1930
What condition is it in?
- Second-hand
- In fair to good condition
- No chips or cracks in the ceramic
- There is little or no crazing
- There are no dents in the metalwork
- The metal is tarnished and corroded in many places
- The nickel plating is worn such that you can see the brass beneath on the top
- The wicker handle is complete and undamaged
- The main lid and spout lid are hinged and work well
- The interior is clean
What are the measurements?
- 17cm high to top of handle (about 6.75 inches)
- 9.5cm to top of body of teapot (3.75 inches)
- 19cm spout to handle (7.5 inches)
- 403 grams
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