Sarreguemines: French Majolica and Faience Pottery
Sarreguemines is a major French pottery and faience manufactory established in 1790 in the town of Sarreguemines, in the Lorraine region near the German border. Over two centuries of production, the factory created an enormous range of earthenware, faience, majolica, and porcelain. Sarreguemines is particularly prized by collectors for its vibrant majolica pieces, character jugs, and decorative plates featuring trompe-l'oeil designs.
History
- 1790: Founded by Paul Utzschneider in Sarreguemines, Moselle
- 1800-1838: Rapid expansion under Utzschneider; became one of France's largest ceramic producers
- 1838-1871: Under the de Geiger family; introduced majolica production
- 1871-1918: Sarreguemines fell under German control after the Franco-Prussian War; marks may include "Germany"
- 1918: Returned to France after WWI
- 20th century: Continued production through various ownership changes
- 2007: Factory closed; brand continues under new ownership
Identification and Marks
- Impressed marks: "SARREGUEMINES" impressed in the base, often with a pattern number
- Printed marks: Various printed stamps used across different periods
- "U&C" mark: Utzschneider & Cie, early mark
- "Germany" mark: Used during the 1871-1918 period when Lorraine was German territory
- Pattern numbers: Four-digit numbers correspond to specific designs and shapes
- "Majolica" designation: Often used for pieces with colored lead glazes over relief-molded bodies
Types and Price Ranges
| Type | Description | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Character jug | Face or figural form, majolica | $100 - $600 |
| Majolica plate | Fruit, vegetable, or leaf form | $50 - $250 |
| Asparagus plate/server | Trompe-l'oeil design | $80 - $300 |
| Oyster plate | Multiple wells, majolica | $150 - $500 |
| Figural pitcher | Rooster, duck, or other animals | $100 - $400 |
| Decorative wall plate | Transfer-printed, scenic | $30 - $100 |
| Jardiniere | Majolica, large format | $200 - $800 |
| Faience vase | Hand-painted decoration | $100 - $400 |
| Fruit or dessert service | Multiple pieces, matching | $300 - $1,500 |
Condition Factors
- Glaze condition: Majolica glazes are prone to chipping and flaking; intact glaze is essential for strong prices
- Crazing: Fine crazing is common on earthenware bodies; heavy crazing with staining reduces value
- Chips: Rim chips on plates are common and reduce value by 30-50%
- Color vibrancy: Strong, unfaded colors indicate pieces that were well cared for
- Marks clarity: Clear, legible factory marks assist in dating and increase buyer confidence
Collecting Tips
- Sarreguemines majolica is more affordable than equivalent English majolica by Minton or George Jones, offering excellent value
- Character jugs depicting faces, historical figures, and occupational types are the most actively collected category
- Asparagus and oyster plates have dedicated collector bases and consistent demand
- Pieces marked "Germany" date to 1871-1918 — this does not indicate German manufacture; the factory was always in Sarreguemines
- The factory's enormous output means new discoveries continue to appear; pattern number research can identify rare forms
- French majolica collectors increasingly recognize Sarreguemines alongside Vallauris and Choisy-le-Roi
- Sets and services in matching patterns bring disproportionate premiums over individual pieces