E.S. Germany: Erdmann Schlegelmilch Porcelain from Suhl
E.S. Germany refers to porcelain manufactured by the Erdmann Schlegelmilch factory in Suhl, Thuringia, Germany, operating from 1861 to 1937. The factory produced fine-quality hard-paste porcelain tableware and decorative pieces, much of it exported to the United States. E.S. Germany porcelain is distinguished from the related but separate R.S. Prussia/R.S. Germany production of Reinhold Schlegelmilch (Erdmann's brother), though both factories are part of the Schlegelmilch family dynasty.
History and Development
- 1861: Erdmann Schlegelmilch establishes his porcelain factory in Suhl, Thuringia
- 1861-1891: Early production marked "E.S." without "Germany"
- 1891: McKinley Tariff Act requires "Germany" to be added to exports; marks change to "E.S. Germany"
- 1920s: "E.S. Germany" marks transition; some pieces marked "E.S. Prov Saxe" (Province of Saxony)
- 1937: Factory closes
- Erdmann's brother Reinhold Schlegelmilch operated separate factories in Tillowitz (R.S. Prussia/R.S. Germany)
Identification and Marks
- E.S. Germany: Green mark with "E.S." surmounted by "Germany" in various configurations
- E.S. Prov Saxe: Later mark indicating Province of Saxony
- Royal Saxe: A decorating mark used on some E.S. blanks
- The porcelain body is high-quality hard-paste, white and translucent
- Decoration includes transfer prints, hand-painted accents, and gilt borders
- Pieces often feature elaborate floral, portrait, and scenic decoration
Types of Production
- Cabinet plates: Display plates with hand-painted portraits, classical scenes, and floral centers
- Dessert services: Elaborately decorated sets with gilt borders
- Portrait plates: Featuring beautiful women, mythological figures, and classical subjects
- Serving pieces: Cake plates, bowls, and platters with rich decoration
- Tea and coffee wares: Sets with matching decoration
- Decorative items: Vases, powder boxes, and dresser trays
Auction Price Ranges
| Item Type | Typical Range | Premium Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait plate | $40 - $150 | Exceptional painting: $200 - $500 |
| Floral cabinet plate | $25 - $80 | Heavy gilt: $100 - $250 |
| Cake plate or platter | $30 - $100 | Portrait decoration: $150 - $350 |
| Dessert set (service for 6+) | $100 - $400 | Complete, elaborate: $500 - $1,200 |
| Chocolate pot or set | $60 - $200 | With matching cups: $250 - $500 |
| Vase (decorated) | $40 - $120 | Portrait or scenic: $150 - $400 |
Condition Factors
- Gilt borders are particularly susceptible to wear; intact gilding significantly increases value
- Portrait and scenic decoration should be crisp and unfaded
- Hard-paste porcelain is durable but chips are visible and reduce value
- Transfer-printed decoration should be complete and unrubbed
- Complete sets and services command strong premiums over individual pieces
Collecting Tips
- E.S. Germany portrait plates are among the most popular items and offer good value compared to similar R.S. Prussia pieces
- Do not confuse E.S. Germany (Erdmann Schlegelmilch, Suhl) with R.S. Germany (Reinhold Schlegelmilch, Tillowitz); they are separate factories
- E.S. Germany generally trades at lower prices than R.S. Prussia, making it an accessible entry point for Schlegelmilch collectors
- Pieces with classical or mythological portrait subjects are particularly popular
- The "Royal Saxe" mark on E.S. blanks can cause confusion; it indicates a decorator rather than a manufacturer
- Heavy gilt decoration in combination with portrait centers represents the premium end of E.S. production