Dresden China Vintage

There is no single Dresden porcelain mark because, over the years, the German maker employed many different markings to identify its pieces. Many pieces feature the letter N or a crown, while some display both. Dresden also used its wordmark with and without an image of a lamb. To determine whether a marking on a particular piece indicates Dresden porcelain, look up the mark using trusted online resources or enlist the services of a certified appraiser. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of Dresden porcelain.

To identify Dresden porcelain, search for a maker's mark. Early pieces will typically feature a T positioned over a fish. Those produced after 1902 will usually showcase intertwined S and P initials placed above the word "Dresden." If you need help with the identification process, consult a knowledgeable antiques dealer or certified appraiser. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of Dresden porcelain.

Dresden china was made in Germany. The porcelain manufacturer Sächsische Porzellan-Manufaktur Dresden GmbH, better known as Dresden Porcelain in English, produced its chinaware in Potschappel, a suburb of Dresden. It began operations there in 1872. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Dresden china from some of the world's top sellers.

Many different pieces of vintage china are worth money. Porcelain, a durable and nonporous kind of pottery made from clay and stone, was first made in China and spread across the world owing to the trade routes to the Far East established by Dutch and Portuguese merchants. Given its origin, English speakers called porcelain “fine china,” an expression you still might hear today.

"Fine" indeed — for over a thousand years, it has been a highly sought-after material. Collectors often seek out early figurines manufactured by the likes of Dresden, Wedgwood and Meissen, while pieces that show off the characteristics of mid-century modern design, such as pieces designed by Raymond Loewy for Rosenthal, are also alluring to enthusiasts of porcelain.

Generally, the age, maker, style, type and condition of a piece of china determines its value. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can provide you with information on any pieces that you own. On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage china.