Posted 13 years ago
amarcus
(18 items)
R. S. Prussia (RSP) cracker jars exemplify the skill and artistry of the small but prolific Reinhold Schlegelmilch factories of Suhl, Prussia and Tillowitz (now Tulowice, Poland). These items are found in various elaborate molds, colors and decors. Antique cracker jars are now rarely used, as they are more decorative and delicate than utilitarian. Yet, collectors view them as choice pieces that repesent some of the best RSP craftsmanship and design.
Cracker jars were manufactured in many of the molds and patterns used for RSP bowls, plates, chocolate sets and sugar/creamer sets. The term "cracker jar" is used synonymously with "biscuit jar", and the chief difference is that cracker jars have handles whereas biscuit jars do not. The term "biscuit jar" is used more often in Europe.
The styles are predominantly Victorian, art nouveau and art deco, dating them from the late 1890s through 1917. The above photos show an assortment of RSP styles and shapes. Most have the red star and wreath mark, although some examples are unmarked, or have the RS Germany or Royal Vienna marks. For more information, visit the R. S. Pussia club website - rsprussia.com. Another helpful site is rsprussia.net.
I have a piece that is eight sided with a lid, with a dome on it. It is painted with pink roses and has three small holes going up each of the eight sides rising to the top. There is the symbol of an egg on the bottom with a bird in the top half and stripes on the bottom. The word Prussia is at the bottom and signed on the top by the name Hughes. Do you have any idea what this piece might be or where I could research it.
If I understand your description correctly, your item might be what is called a 'frog' - used to hold a bouquet. As for the mark, it could be the Erdman Schlegelmilch mark- go to this web pabe and scroll down (http://www.porcelainmarksandmore.com/thuringia/suhl_1/00.php).
Many reference books on marks - including Warman's Dictionary of Marks, and numerous R. S. Prussia books (go to rsprussia.com, then go to page listing books).
Your item might be a 'home craft' item - amateur china painting was popular during the 1920s; thus, the signature 'Hughes'.
Let me know if this helps you. Cheers.
Love them!!!!
I am a big fan of RSP!
scott
Oh, they are so beautiful!!!
I have the cracker jar in the 1st picture at the top of this article but I am not sure if it's a real r S Prussia it does have a stamp but it doesn't look exactly today like the red and green ones