RS Prussia: Ornate German Export Porcelain

RS Prussia is porcelain manufactured by the Reinhold Schlegelmilch factory in Suhl, Thuringia, Germany, primarily between 1870 and 1917. Named for the factory's distinctive red and green wreath marks incorporating a star and the words "RS Prussia," these pieces were produced almost exclusively for export to the American market. RS Prussia is celebrated for its elaborate mold work, lush floral and scenic transfer decoration, and lavish gilding, making it one of the most popular categories of decorative porcelain among American collectors.

History and Background

Reinhold Schlegelmilch established his porcelain factory in Suhl in 1869. His brother Erdmann operated a separate factory in Suhl producing similar but distinct wares marked "ES Germany." The Reinhold factory produced enormous quantities of decorative porcelain through sophisticated mold-making and transfer-printing techniques, shipping primarily to American importers. Production bearing the RS Prussia mark effectively ended around 1917 due to World War I trade disruptions. The factory continued under different marks (RS Germany, RS Tillowitz, RS Poland) into the mid-20th century.

Identification and Marks

• Red mark: Red wreath with star and "RS Prussia" -- the classic and most desirable mark (c. 1870-1917)
• Green mark: Green wreath variant; used alongside the red mark
• RS Germany mark: Post-1910 mark used on export pieces; generally less valued than RS Prussia marks
• Unmarked pieces: Some pieces lost paper labels or were sold without marks; authenticate by mold and decoration style
• Mold identification: Over 500 distinct mold shapes have been cataloged by researchers; Mary Frank Gaston's reference books are the standard guides
• "Wheelmark": A rare variation featuring a wheel-like symbol; particularly desirable

Decorative Styles

• Floral: Roses, poppies, lilies, and other flowers in transfer with hand-painted highlights; the most common decoration
• Portrait/figural: Transfer-printed portraits of women, often after paintings by Francois Boucher or Angelo Asti; premium prices
• Scenic: Landscapes, castle scenes, pastoral views, and mill scenes; highly sought
• Reflecting/Water scenes: Landscape scenes with lakes or rivers reflecting scenery; rare and desirable
• Animal/Bird: Swans, peacocks, and other wildlife; scarce
• Satin finish: A matte, silky glaze treatment applied to some pieces; distinctive and desirable

Auction Price Ranges

Condition Factors

• Transfer integrity: The printed decoration must be intact and unfaded; rubbing or scratching through the transfer destroys value
• Gilding: Original gold trim should show natural age wear; completely worn gilding reduces value, but heavy gilt loss is common
• Mold condition: The elaborate raised molding patterns should be crisp and undamaged
• Cracks and chips: Any structural damage significantly reduces value; even hairlines are penalized
• Marks: Clear, legible marks (especially the red wreath) add confidence and value

Collecting Tips

• Portrait and scenic pieces consistently command the highest prices; common floral pieces are abundant and affordable
• Mold form matters as much as decoration; unusual or elaborate mold shapes (icicle mold, iris mold, medallion mold) bring premiums regardless of decoration
• The RS Prussia market was heavily collected in the 1970s-90s and has stabilized; quality pieces at reasonable prices are available for patient buyers
• Reproductions and forgeries exist, particularly of portrait pieces; study mark details, transfer quality, and porcelain body characteristics
• Pieces with multiple desirable features (rare mold + portrait decoration + strong colors) can achieve exceptional prices
• Join or consult the International Association of RS Prussia Collectors for research resources and authentication guidance