Antique Limoges Porcelain Cup with Saucer Elite and Coiffe Marks

Porcelain : French Limoges

 

This enchanting little cup & saucer were obviously not originally a matched pair, but this is how they were when I acquired them, so I just couldn't break up such a charming marriage. The saucer bears the Limoges Elite Mark #8 (circa 1891-1900), as well as the Coiffe Mark #2 (circa 1891-1914), dating this delicate piece to somewhere around 1899. In addition to the lovely flowers & foliage, the saucer also has an underglaze raised (embossed) design of scrolls & swags as well as a scalloped rim. Amazingly, this saucer has survived over 100 years with no damage, just the lightest wear to the pattern in just one tiny spot. It isn't even enough to interrupt the flow of the pattern. Otherwise, this piece is in EXCELLENT CONDITION, meaning that although it isn't in mint condition, there is absolutely NO DAMAGE whatsoever. The cup appears to be something that might have been made at the end of the day, in order to use whatever materials were left. It is the thinnest of porcelain at the top of the cup, then thickens as the embossed leaves begin. The leaves have a pale aqua paint that fades to white and there is gold gilt trim around the rim & on the handle. On the bottom there is a hand written L & G, but I have not been able to determine what that stands for. The cup measures 3-1/4" in diameter & 1-1/4" in height. The Limoges saucer measures 5" in diameter & 1" in height. Rest assured that no one else will ever have this same set, as it is quite unique.

Item ID: AU-367