Royal Bayreuth: Bavarian Novelty and Figural Porcelain

Royal Bayreuth is porcelain produced by the Porzellanfabrik Tettau, founded in 1794 in Tettau, Bavaria, Germany. While the factory produced conventional tableware and decorative pieces throughout its history, it is best known among collectors for its extraordinary figural and novelty items manufactured between approximately 1885 and 1920. These include creamers, pitchers, and other vessels shaped as animals, people, fruit, and objects -- pieces that rank among the most creative and sought-after novelty porcelain ever produced.

History and Background

The Tettau factory was established in 1794 under the patronage of the Duke of Saxe-Coburg. It operated under various owners before adopting the "Royal Bayreuth" trade name in the late 19th century. The factory's golden age for collectors was the period from about 1885 to World War I, when it produced an astonishing variety of figural and scenic wares for export, particularly to the American market. The factory continued operating through the 20th century, producing more conventional porcelain.

Identification and Marks

• Blue mark: The most common mark is a blue underglaze crest with "Tettau" beneath; used from the 1880s onward
• Green mark: Found on later pieces and some decorative wares
• "Royal Bayreuth" text: Often accompanies the crest mark; sometimes stamped in green or blue
• Mold numbers: Incised or stamped numbers help identify specific forms
• "Deponiert": German registration mark found on some figural pieces
• Beware: Unmarked pieces require careful evaluation; not all figural porcelain is Royal Bayreuth

Types and Categories

Figural Pieces (Most Collected)

• Animal creamers: Dachshund, elk, cat, parrot, robin, fish, frog, lobster, and many more
• Figural pitchers: Grape cluster, rose, tomato, apple, ear of corn
• People figures: Clown, cavalier, coachman, Devil and Card designs
• Novelty forms: Conch shell, lettuce, oak leaf, strawberry, pansy

Scenic and Transfer-Decorated Ware

• Tapestry finish: A distinctive textured surface resembling woven fabric; achieved by wrapping the piece in fabric before glazing
• Scenic vases and plates: Transfer-printed pastoral, hunting, and portrait scenes
• Sunbonnet Babies: Children in bonnets performing daily activities; popular series

Conventional Ware

• Tableware: Dinner services, tea sets, and serving pieces in standard patterns
• Rose Tapestry: Tapestry-finish pieces with rose decoration; highly prized

Auction Price Ranges

Condition Factors

• Figural integrity: Missing appendages (ears, tails, handles) on figural pieces drastically reduce value
• Paint and gilding: Original cold-painted details and gilt trim should be intact; wear reduces value
• Tapestry surface: The distinctive textile-textured glaze must be undamaged; chips or flaking are difficult to repair
• Cracks and repairs: Professional restorations are tolerated on rare pieces but should be disclosed and priced accordingly
• Marks: Pieces with clear, legible marks command confidence and higher prices than unmarked examples

Collecting Tips

• Figural creamers are the gateway pieces for most Royal Bayreuth collectors and offer tremendous variety within a focused category
• Rose Tapestry and other tapestry-finish pieces are among the most desirable and command premium prices across all forms
• The Devil and Card series (featuring a red devil playing cards) has a devoted following and consistently brings strong results
• Sunbonnet Babies pieces appeal to both porcelain collectors and children's illustration enthusiasts
• Reproductions exist, particularly of popular figural forms; genuine pieces have finer detail, appropriate weight, and correct marks
• Large collections occasionally appear at auction and can represent buying opportunities, as individual pieces may sell below typical retail