French Blue 19th Century Sevres (Napoleon the Third)

Generally items like this are worth more untouched unless they have breaks which need repair. If you are serious about buying these I would advise pay for an independent appraiser see them in person before you make a decision.

 

Ok will do, I’m only serious if the price is right so I’ll be patient. It’s a shame nothing can be done about the casting.

 

Welcome Henry.
It is good that you ask here before you buy.

If you are interested in investing in Sèvres porcelain, why not study museum pieces and buy some books about Sèvres. When you look at museum pieces, pay attention to every little detail. That is how you learn.

Maybe he doesn't know much about Sèvres porcelain himself, can't tell the difference between genuine and imitation?

It was never as good as on the one komo posted in the first place.

It is a difference in quality, not something a refurbishment will solve. Besides, as Ce said, it is best left untouched.

 

Just want to add that at auction, true Sevres porcelain covered urns still do not perform as well as they used to. Unless it is a very finely painted and a well documented piece, our estimates are typically $800 - $1200 starting bid at $400 no reserve. This is of course in USA and maybe just a southern thing - perhaps elsewhere they are worth more. Samson copied Sevres which many like to collect - but there are so many imitators including more recently China.

 

I believe this is not an original antique lidded urn. The top band is slightly crooked, the bottom stand does not line up evenly with the vase picture, the side handles are clunky. Not sure why anyone would photograph it with plastic over the lid, but that looks suspicious to me too and I wonder if it covers a hairline crack or other small damages. I would not buy these, but someone here may know more about them from the markings, if you can post them.

 

The mount doesn't seem particularly fine to me and €2500 is a lot of money. I think you need to spend time looking at quality antiques and getting an idea of prices rather than plunging in head first. Attend a few good auction previews and see what's out there.

 

Thank you, seems too risky to get involved in this one.

 

Exactly what I’m attempting to do, not gonna rush into anything unless the price is right.

 

Thank you, yeh I’m getting pictures of the marking’s tomorrow so I’ll keep you posted.

 

Ok thank you very much for your insight, I’ll look into this more as I have a larger but more damaged alternative as well. I shall post the markings once I get them

 

Try to stay away from damaged, that is difficult to sell. Even if it is repaired, it is still worth less than original mint condition.

 

Thank you very much

 

I think that's tape holding the lid on, which would be even worse.

 

It could well be. When I inspected in person it seemed to be in almost perfect condition other than the casting.

 

I took a look, you could be correct about that is tape and yes that's worse!
Thanks, MOS

 

I would vote that this is a modern urn in the Sevres style. There's just too much wrong with it to my eye. The castings have already been discussed but I'm also not happy with the gold. The gold borders are uneven in spots and the wider gold around the pictures look like the wrong style to me. The painting looks just a bit slap dash and the figures a bit primitive. Maybe I'm being fussy but it's too easy to get burned with reproduction Sevres. One thing I might suggest you examine more closely is how the bottom is done. I don't see a picture of it here but the way it is attached might provide more clues. 2500 is a lot to spend and you are right to be cautious. If you are shopping from a site see what other pieces this vendor is selling. If all her/his other pieces are true antiques then there is better chance this one is also. The reputation of a seller is very important, especially when you are talking high dollar items. Your instincts are good and I hope you do more research. As you learn to spot the real from fake you'll build up your confidence and maybe find a new and exciting hobby. We need more young people in our field. Good luck.

 

Sigh. Tape is not good. When removing the tape some of the gilding will come with it. So, wherever possible, buy ceramics in best condition -- no chips, cracks, discolouration, etc. -- because value is reduced if not in intact condition. The seller may seem genuine but that doesn't mean his wares are. Caveat emptor -- the onus is on you to determine authenticity and before I parted with 2500 euros, I'd want to be sure. Lots of top notch 19th c china was copied or imitated including in the 19th c so some things are copies/imitations/in the style of, and are genuine antiques in their own right. Have fun, but always good to have a second look, and peeps here will share their knowledge freely. We like to look!

 

He’s definitely a trusted seller but the sevres are a no go for me now, too much wrong with them.

 

T

Thank you!

 

a little less trusted now............
did he send you the markings...?
we still wanna see those..