Antique coffee can, can't find maker's mark in any book

Discussion in 'Pottery, Glass, and Porcelain' started by ValerieK, Jan 27, 2021.

  1. ValerieK

    ValerieK Well-Known Member

    This is a pretty little coffee can, 6cms high, which I've had for several years. It came with a mixed lot of 18th/19th century ceramics. I hoped to find the mark underneath in one of my books of makers' marks, but although there are similar circular marks for both France and Germany, they aren't exactly the same. The sprig design looks French to me, but the hunting horn design of the handle for some reason makes me think German. Can anyone identify it for me? You've never failed me yet! Coffee can - 3.jpg Coffee can - 1.jpg Coffee can - 2.jpg
     
  2. moreotherstuff

    moreotherstuff Izorizent

    I'm gonna guess it's a decorator mark, not a maker.
     
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  3. Marie Forjan

    Marie Forjan Well-Known Member

    I was expecting to see something like this :smuggrin:
    69-247.jpg

    Is "coffee can" a British term? In the US we would call it a mug, just wondering.
     
    pearlsnblume likes this.
  4. ValerieK

    ValerieK Well-Known Member

    Sorry, I didn't realise the term needed translation! We British call "tins" the metal containers the Americans call "cans", so for us there is no confusion. They used to be "tin cans", but we seem to have divided the two words between us! I got the word from Michael Berthoud's "Compendium of British Cups" and other guides to antique ceramics, as meaning a small coffee cup which is cylindrical, low and flat-bottomed (very much like the metal coffee can above!), an alternative coffee cup to the normal Georgian style of very small, taller cups with gently sloping sides and curves at the base. First introduced circa 1760's but much less common than the other type. Nowadays the large version is indeed called "mug" over here, and I think the little ones still survive as espresso cups. I hope my title doesn't put off ceramics enthusiasts, or misleed collectors of household tins!
     
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  5. ValerieK

    ValerieK Well-Known Member

    I hope it's a maker's mark, it's a bit elaborate for a decorator, and there are various marks like suns or wheels which are along the same lines, like St Cloud. If it's a decorator then I shall probably never identify this little cup, but I will still love it.
     
    pearlsnblume likes this.
  6. Marie Forjan

    Marie Forjan Well-Known Member

    Thanks, I have a growing list so I know what Brits are talking about :p
     
    pearlsnblume, Ownedbybear and komokwa like this.
  7. Ownedbybear

    Ownedbybear Well-Known Member

    The other thing about cans is straight sides. Don't think that one is British, fwiw.
     
    pearlsnblume likes this.
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