MEISSEN BLUE ONION COVERED TUREEN-CROSSED SWORDS MARK

This is a Beautiful Large, Two Handled, Covered Tureen in the "Blue Onion" Pattern, produced by the Meissen Manufactory in Germany.

When covered it stands 9" tall to the top of the impressive Scrolled Finial on the lid.  The oval bowl itself measures 9-1/2" by 8" across the top and is 4-1/2" deep.  The measurement from handle to handle is 12-3/4".

It contains the typical Blue Onion design on a white background.  The pattern does show the Crossed Swords Mark again in the stem of the bamboo tree, which indicates authencity.  In the late 1800's, the factory added this feature to differentiate from other factories who copied this pattern.

The Crossed Swords mark on the bottom does indicate that this set is a Factory Second.  However, I have inspected it very closely and the only flaws I find are three small areas in the lower base area of the bowl and one near the top which contain pale blue paint smudges and are insignificant.  In addition, there is a tiny spot of paint inside the bowl along with one tiny, tiny burst glaze bubble.  The Meissen Manufactory was very particular about grading their wares, so these items were probably enough for them to call it Second Ware.  

Otherwise, there are no chips, cracks, scratches, crazing or further flaws in either piece.  The hand painting is intact and the colors are lovely and unfaded.

It is hard to definitely assess the date of manufacture for Meissen.  However, this piece is marked with the Pommel Sword Backstamp which was used from 1850 to 1924 and since the application of the mark again in the bamboo stem was started in 1888, I feel comfortable with stating that this set was manufactured between 1888 and 1924.

PLEASE NOTE:  This very heavy set will be shipped via UPS and will be well wrapped and padded and double boxed for safety in shipping.  Thus the shipping cost will be more than usual and full insurance will be included in the cost.  If I have overestimated the shipping cost, I will promptly send a refund at the time of shipping.