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Issues of 2008

Brands and Stamps of Russian and soviet Ceramics

In previous issues of our magazine Leonid Matveev, the research associate of the department of ceramics of the State Russian museum (St. Petersburg), has begun a series of articles about marks and signs on pottery of the USSR and Russia. Today we continue conversation on this theme.

Gruzino Porcelain-faience factory "Red Porcelain Maker"

Green overglaze stamped brand ≈ crossed sickle and hammer with a monogram "RFT" (Russian Porcelain Trust) surrounded by interweaved ears with a star and a band. There is an inscription on the band: "Red Porcelain Maker Factory". On the right and on the left sides there are abbreviations: "N.K." and "L.P." (People▓s Commissariat of Light Industry). It is depicted on the cup (89 x 74 x 51 mm). Dates of 1931√1935.

F. Emeljanov▓s Factory in the village of Morje

Blue overglaze stamped brand ≈ considerably distorted double eagle without a scepter and an orb and inscriptions: "By F. Emeljanov Factory", "MORJE" and "╧ 1" (high quality) surrounded by relief. It is depicted on the porcelain teapot (211 x 136 x 143 mm). It dates of the end of XIX ≈ beginning of XX century.

We know red and blue brands similar to this one with additional abbreviation "D" (stands for "village") before the title and the location of the factory and without an inscription, informing of the quality of the object dating of 1887 ≈ beginning of the XX century.

The factory was founded in the beginning of the XIX century in the village Morje of Shlisselburg uyezd of St. Petersburg province by baron Petr Friedrichs. In 1817 it was purchased by an adviser Sergey Poskochin, in 1842 became the property of the countess Sofia Golenischeva-Kutuzova and in 1851 was again sold to baron L. Korf. Later it was inherited by baroness M. Korf. From 1851 to 1887 it was rented by Kornilov brothers, prince Dolgoruky, merchant from Ochta Gudkov (or Khudkov), Salmanov, Menshutkin, Stupin merchants. From 1878 to 1887 it was rented by Fedor Emeljanov. In 1887 it was redeemed by F. Emeljanov and in the beginning of the XX century became the property of his son, A. Emeljanov. Initially (before F. Emeljanov) the factory produced faience and stone-paste production and then, with F. Emeljanov, only porcelain. On the production of high quality they put a blue stamp, on the production of second chop ≈ red one. In the beginning of the XX century 40 persons worked there and printed painting was used.

Production: tea-things and foodware (tavern) ware. Literature: T. Karjakina. Pages 30, 40, 120; A. Selivanov. Pages 136, 137√139, 148√149; E. Bubnova. Pages 72√77.

The Konakovo M. Kalinin faience factory

Blue overglaze stamped brand ≈ monogram "ZiK" (Kalinin Factory) in the broken circle and an inscription "KONAKOVO". Below ≈ "7-53" and "second chop". Number "9" in black colour. It is depicted on the faience flower vase (height 144 mm; diameter ≈ 88 mm). Dates of 1960√1962.

It is published in various editions without characteristics and an inscription with the quality of an object (T. Karjakina. Page 65; E. Bubnova. Konakovo faience. M., 1978. Page 138; S. Dudenko, I. Nikiforenko. Page 769; T. Dulkina. Page 372) dates of 1960√1962.

I. Kuznetsov▓s factory near Volkhov

Blue overglaze stamped brand ≈ eight-point star with two branches, two medallions and inscriptions "I. Kuznetsova" (on the band) and "НА ВОЛХОВ░". It is depicted on porcelain cup (97 x 78 x 67 mm). It dates of 1878√1917.

A similar brand is known, it differs in some details (medallion images, decorative motive between the medallions) (A. Selivanov. Page 399, ╧ 8; S. Dudenko, I. Nikiforenko. Page 773).

The factory was founded in 1878 not far from Volkhov station of Novgorod uyezd by an industrialist Ivan Kuznetsov. Initially 200 persons worked there, in the 1900s ≈ 1100 persons. The factory produced porcelain, faience, semi-faience, majolica and fireproof ware. The ware was awarded at different domestic and foreign exhibitions. In 1918 the factory was nationalized.

Literature: T. Karjakina. Page 78√79; A. Selivanov. Page 128; T. Dulkina. Page 197.

M. Kuznetsov▓s factory in Riga

Blue overglaze stamped brand ≈ Russian double eagle with a scepter and orb and inscriptions: "Company▓s", "M. KUZNETSOV▓s" (bow-shaped), "R. F.". Depicted on a porcelain saucer (diameter 127 mm). It dates of the end of XIX century √ beginning of XX century.

It was published in different editions without characteristics (T. Karjakin. Page 85; A. Selivanov. Page 405, ╧ 12; S. Dudenko, I. Nikiforenko. Page 765; T. Dulkina. Page 186; Z. Konstant. Page 79, ╧III) and dates of 1889√1910. The factory was founded in 1841 in Dreilingsbush (not far from Riga) of Liflyand province by T. Kuznetsov. In 1853 it was inherited by S. Kuznetsov and in 1864 by his son Matvey. In 1887 it became part of "M. Kuznetsov▓s Company" created on the base of different factories and works. In 1940 it was nationalized. In 1884 1103 persons worked there, in the beginning of the 1900s ≈ 1868 persons. There was a college for 200 children at the factory. The factory produced foodware, tea-things and other porcelain, faience and semi-faience objects. The production of the factory was awarded at different foreign and domestic exhibitions.

Literature: T. Karjakina. Pages 81√82; A. Selivanov. Pages 192√194; T. Dulkina. Pages 181√182; Z. Konstant.

"M. Kuznetsov▓s factory" in Verbilki

Blue overglaze stamped brand ≈ double eagle with a scepter and orb and inscription "By M. Kuznetsov Company", "D. F." (Dmitrovsky factory). It is depicted on the porcelain cream-jug (125 x 93 x 105 mm). It dates of the end of XIX √ beginning of XX century.

The brand was published in the reference-book of S. Dudenko and I. Nikiforenko (page 770). Similar brands are known, they differ in unimportant details; an inscription "T-vo" instead of "T-va" (it stands for company), no points in the abbreviation "D F" (T. Karjakina. Page 89; T. Dulkina. Page 196) or a different shape of the eagle▓s tale (Masterpieces. Page 188, ╧ 45). All the enlisted brands date of 1892√1917.

The factory was founded in 1766 (1754, 1756 and 1759 are also mentioned as the dates of foundation) by an English merchant Franz Gardner in Verbilki settlement of Dmitrovsky uyezd of Moscow province. In the end of the XVIII century the factory was inherited by his son F. Gardner, Franz, and in the beginning of the XIX century it belonged to his grandsons Alexander and Peter, but, Sara Gardner was the manager (their mother) as they were not of age yet. In 1829 Petr and Nikolay were owners of the factory and from 1840s it belonged to sons of Peter Vladimir and Alexander. In the 1870s the company was inherited by the widow of their brother Pavel, Elizaveta Gardner. In 1892 the factory was purchased by "M. Kuznetsov▓s company" of which it was part till it was nationalized in 1918. In 1901 there were 919 employees. The factory produced foodware and tea-things, vases, sculptures and other porcelain objects. Thee used different technologies for decoration (hand painting, decol, stencil).

Literature: T. Karjakina. Pages 24, 88; A. Selivanov. Pages 37√44. 238, 288√293; T. Dulkina. Pages 44√48, 195√196.

The 1st of may porcelain factory

Red overglaze printed brand ≈ coat of arms of the RSFSR (Russian Soviet Federative Socialistic Republic) (ears interweaved with bands, raising sun, globe with sickle and hammer, star). Below ≈ an oval with an inscription: "THE 1ST OF MAY RYBINSK FACTORY". Inside of the oval ≈ an inscription "Porcelain Trust". It is depicted on the porcelain cup (89 x 68 x 61 mm). It dates of 1925√1930.

Practically identical brand is known, it differs only in an inscription (instead of "Farforotrest" it is written "Farfortrest" (stands for "porcelain trust"; probably this is an author▓s mistake). The brand that was put from 1925 was done with a method of overglaze print with red, blue and green paint (Porcelain. Faience. Glass. Page 31, 32, ╧ XLV; T. Dulkina. Page 374).

Porcelain factory "Proletarian"

Red overglaze stamped brand ≈ crossed sickle and hammer with a star, monogram "P.F.F.T." and an inscription around: "PROLETARIAN. BRONNITSY settlement". It is depicted on a soup porcelain plate (diameter ≈ 220 mm). It dates of 1929√1931. Practically identical brand is known, on which instead of "R.F.F.T." there is "T.F.F.T." (stands for Russian and Central Porcelain Faience Trust) (La Rivoluzione. Page 116, ╧ 24; E. Sametskaya. Page 476)

Black overglaze stamped brand ≈ crossed sickle and hammer, monogram "RFT" (Russian Porcelain Factory) and an inscription "BRAK", surrounded by interweaved ears with a star and a band with an inscription "PROLETARIAN FACTORY". On the right and on the left sides from the band there are abbreviations "N. K." and "L. P.". (People▓s Commissariat of light industry). It is depicted on porcelain saucer (diameter 157 mm). It dates of 1931√1935.

Blue overglaze stamped brand ≈ crossed sickle and hammer and inscriptions "RSFSR", "NCMP" (People▓s Commissariat of Light Industry) surrounded by interweaved ears with a star and a band. On the band there is an inscription: "PROLETARIAN FACTORY". Below ≈ "p/s Places in Leningrad Region" and "Grand Department Store". It is depicted on the porcelain cup (105 x 84 x 55 mm). It dates of: 1935√1946.

Green overglaze stamped brand ≈ image of a teapot with inscriptions "R.S.F.S.R.", "PROLETARIAN FACTORY", "PLACES. Above ≈ a star and a monogram "N.K.M.P." (People▓s Commissariat of Light Industry. Below ≈ "third chop"). It is depicted on the porcelain saucer (diameter ≈ 135 mm). It dates of 1935√1946. There are similar red and blue brands that were put on the items of high quality and second and third chop items accordingly (L. Andreeva. Page 95; L. Matveev. Soviet and Russian ceramics. Stamps, brands and stigmas// Antiq.Info, December 2004, ╧ 23. Pages 71√72). The brand was published in the works by T. Dulkina and E. Sametskaya (T. Dulkina. Page 377; E. Sametskaya. Page 476).

The Smolensk Tile Factory

Relief stamped brand ≈ an inscription "SMOLENSK" and date "1956". It is depicted on tiles (151 x 151 x 4 mm). It dates of 1956.

Relief stamped brand ≈ inscriptions "MPSM ( Ministry of Industry of Construction Materials) USSR", "SMOLENSK", stylized image of a fortress wall with a tower and a monogram "SmkZ" (for Smolensky Factory) ( within a circle surrounded by a square). It is depicted on glazed facing tiles (150 x 150 x 4 mm). It dates of 1970√1980s.

The factory was founded in the 1950s. It was turned into Smolensk Factory "Faience" (closed joint-stock company).

The Sumy Porcelain Factory

Red overglaze stamped brand ≈ the image of the flower, letter "C" and inscriptions "c1" (first chop) and "IX-96" (September 1996). It is depicted on the porcelain cup (113 x 92 x 89 mm). It dates of September 1996.

The brand was published in the reference-book by S. Dudenko and I. Nikiforenko (page 830) without characteristics and information concerning quality of the object.

The factory was founded in Sumy in Ukraine Societ Socialistic Republic. In May 1965 it started to produce its first objects. In 1991 it faced the crisis and overcame it then. In the 1990s the factory was turned into the closed joint-stock company. Artists V. Shevchenko and V. Serobaba-Klimko worked there. At present time factory produces porcelain ware of various types, coffee and tea sets, souvenirs, produces ware for private clients with usage of painting, luster, decol.

The Kharkov tile factory of VIII Anniversary of October Revolution

Relief stamped brand ≈ monogram "KLPZ" "Kharkov Tile Factory". It is depicted on flooring tile (99 x 99 x 7 mm). It dates of 1970s.

Relief stamped brand ≈ an inscription "PK KLPZ" and "74" (1974). It is depicted on flooring tile (99 x 100 x 8 mm). It dates of 1974.

Relief brand as a stamp ≈ stylized crystal with a letter "X" in the middle. It is depicted on flooring tile (102 x 102 x 8 mm). It dates of 1990√2000s.

The factory was projected in 1936 by Ukraine Scientific-Research Institute. By the beginning of the Second World War the construction of the factory was almost accomplished. During the years of the war the factory was destroyed, but was reestablished as soon as in 1946 and started to produce flooring tile, sanitary faience, insulators and paint-and-lacquer materials. From 1949 the factory started to produce facing facade ceramics and in 1951-1956 they started to produce facing tile, decorative hollow ceramic blocks and flooring tile with different types of relieves. In 1956 the factory produced 2.5 million square meters of flooring tiles and 1.1 million square meters of tile for interior facing. In 1966 the factory was awarded with the order of Working Red Banner. From 1971 till 1981 the factory was reconstructed again. In September 1995 it was turned into the closed joint-stock company "Kharkov Tile Factory". At present time the factory continues to develop, the assortment and the quality of production grow, the factory produces flooring tile, tile for interior facing with paintings and without it and souvenir-artistic items, friezes.

Literature: V. Ginsburg. Ceramics in architecture. M., 1983. Page 183; R. Gurvich. Factories of building ceramics. M., 1951. Page 25; I. Bulavin. Production of ceramic tiles. M., 1949. Pages 3, 188.

Unknown factories

Relief stamped brand√ letter "L" in between three squares placed as triangular. It is situated on glazed facing tile (149 x 149 x 5 mm). It dates of 1950s √ 1970s.

Brand stamped in paste ≈ monogram "RFZ" in the oval. It is depicted on chemical porcelain stand (Length ≈ 226, width ≈ mm). It dates of 1950s-1960s. Similar grey-brown and green-brown underglaze brands of different sizes are known (Matveev L. Soviet and Russian ceramics. Some data about stamps, brands, stigmas and signs // Antiq.Info, April 2005, ╧ 27, page 64).

Relief stamped brand ≈ letter "L" (smaller than on the previous one) in between three squares placed as triangular. It is depicted on flooring tile (151 x 151 x 9 mm). It dates of 1950s ≈ 1970s.

Brands in the shape of a vessel-cock with letter "T". It is depicted on paper stick of majolica coffee set consisting of 15 items. It dates of the early 1970s (unknown Ukraine factory).

Black overglaze stamped brand ≈ stylized flower bud and arched inscriptions "KATERINA" and "CERAMICS" in the circle (inscriptions and a bud are initially imprinted in paste and then painted in colour). It is depicted on porcelain decorative jar for spicery (130 x 93 x 82 mm). It dates of 2000s.