Maker: This gorgeous and rare antique Limoges coffee service for 6 has the white ware mark number 9 of H&Co, the company that became the iconic Limoges firm Haviland & Co., and the Haviland decorator's mark number 17.
Age: The green H&Co white ware mark over the letter L for Limoges was in use between 1888 and 1896. The blue circle Haviland & Co Limoges decorator's mark was used between 1879 and 1889. That means this set was produced between 1888 and 1889, making it 132 or 133 years old. Source: Third edition of the Collector's Encyclopedia of Limoges Porcelain by Mary Frank Gaston.
Design: With a lovely and finely painted rust-colored floral band, the coffee service - which has the pattern number 6212 - would be impressive in any setting, on any occasion.
Composition and size: The set consists of 30 pieces, including the lids:
- One coffee pot with its lid, 9 1/4 inches long between the tip of the spout and the far end of the handle, 3 3/8 inches wide at the top, 3 7/8 inches wide at the base and 6 1/2 inches tall at the tip of the spout. It weighs 2 pound 3 ounces.
- One creamer, 2 3/8 inches wide at the top and 4 1/8 inches tall at the tip of the spout. It weighs 8.7 ounces.