Samson: Paris Porcelain Reproductions
Samson et Cie was a Parisian porcelain manufactory founded by Edme Samson in 1845, specializing in high-quality reproductions of famous European and Asian ceramics. For over a century, the firm produced copies of Meissen, Sevres, Chelsea, Chinese export, Delft, Strasbourg faience, and many other wares — often of such quality that distinguishing originals from Samson copies remains a challenge for collectors and appraisers today.
History
- 1845: Edme Samson founded the firm at 7, Rue Beranger, Paris
- 1845-1905: Edme Samson and his son Emile produced reproductions "for study purposes"
- 1905-1969: Continued under subsequent family generations
- 1969: The firm closed; remaining stock and molds were sold
- 1979: Remaining inventory auctioned in Paris
The firm openly marked most pieces with its own "S" mark, but over the decades many Samson marks have been removed, and pieces have entered the market as originals. This is the central concern for collectors of 18th-century European porcelain.
Identification
- Samson marks: An entwined or simple "S" often placed near or over the copied factory mark
- Removed marks: Look for grinding or polishing on the base where a Samson mark may have been removed
- Hard paste vs. soft paste: Samson used hard-paste porcelain; many originals (Sevres, Chelsea, Bow) were soft paste — this is the most reliable test
- Weight: Samson pieces are often slightly heavier than originals
- Colors: Samson enamels tend to be slightly brighter or harsher than 18th-century originals
- Gilding: Samson gilding is typically brassy compared to the softer, mercury-gilt gold of 18th-century pieces
- Modeling: Samson copies are generally slightly less crisp in modeling detail than originals
Types and What They Copy
| Samson Copy Type | Imitating | Typical Price Range (Samson) |
|---|---|---|
| Meissen figures | 18th-century Meissen | $200 - $1,500 |
| Sevres vases | 18th-century Sevres | $300 - $2,000 |
| Chinese export armorial | 18th-century Chinese | $200 - $1,000 |
| Chelsea figures | Gold or red anchor Chelsea | $200 - $1,200 |
| Delft chargers | 17th-18th century Dutch | $150 - $600 |
| Strasbourg faience | 18th-century Strasbourg | $100 - $500 |
| Derby figures | 18th-century Derby | $150 - $800 |
| Worcester blue and white | 18th-century Worcester | $100 - $400 |
Condition Factors
- Quality of copying: The finest Samson pieces are valuable in their own right as 19th-century decorative objects
- Marks: Pieces retaining honest Samson marks are preferred by collectors of Samson itself
- Altered marks: Pieces with removed Samson marks are suspect and potentially fraudulent
- Physical condition: Chips, cracks, and restorations affect value as with any porcelain
- Pair or set status: Matched pairs of Samson figures bring strong premiums
Collecting Tips
- If a price for an 18th-century piece seems too good, it may well be Samson — always test the paste type
- Hard-paste porcelain (Samson) will not show warm translucency under strong light the way soft-paste does
- Samson is increasingly collected in its own right by those who appreciate 19th-century craftsmanship at accessible prices
- When buying 18th-century Meissen, Sevres, or Chelsea, always consider the Samson possibility — it is the single most common source of misattribution in European porcelain
- UV light can sometimes reveal differences in glaze composition between Samson and originals
- Samson Chinese export copies are among the most commonly encountered — the hard-paste body gives them away to experienced handlers
- Auction houses with specialist ceramic departments are generally reliable in distinguishing Samson from originals; generalist sales carry more risk