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Pitcher Appears New, With Repro Mark

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By JAY MOORE, Tribune correspondent

Published: November 10, 2007

I recently bought a vase or potty pitcher at a yard sale. It is marked with a star, wreath and "R.S. Prussia."

It is blue with a floral design and appears to be hand-painted. It is in mint condition. What is its value?

C.T.

Ruskin

I am guessing by your term "potty pitcher" that you believe it was part of a pitcher and washbowl set. The sets sometimes included commodes, soap and toothbrush holders and other pieces. Often made of ironstone to stand up to daily use and abuse, they were used by consumers and hotels.

The pitcher appears to be new, complete with a reproduction R.S. Prussia mark. It does not resemble antique R.S. Prussia, which is high-quality German porcelain that usually was hand-decorated by skilled artisans.

R.S. Prussia was a popular import around the turn of the 20th century. The factory mostly made delicate porcelain decorative items and tableware, such as chocolate sets, plates and small pitchers.

It has no antique value.

R.S. Prussia and other Schlegelmilch porcelains have been reproduced for years in Europe and Asia. Many years ago, fake R.S. decals were made and blatantly sold. Some pieces can easily fool neophyte collectors.

We own a clock that two clock collectors have told me is a "Fuzi." It belonged to my grandmother. The case was in bad shape, so I bought another one and spent $300 to put it in working order. What is it worth?

D.R.

Richmond, Va.

Fusee (pronounced fu-say) is a type of clock and watch movement that was popular for centuries. Experts say that it was invented in the mid-15th century. The movements were widely used in Europe and Asia.

I cannot tell you the value of it without a photo.

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