Porcelain Blue Onion canister

Identification & Description:
This is a blue and white porcelain oatmeal canister in the “Blue Onion” pattern, marked Germany on the base along with the impressed or stamped number 781’s (or possibly 7818). The design features stylized floral and leaf motifs typical of the Blue Onion (Zwiebelmuster) pattern, which originated in Meissen porcelain in the 18th century and has been widely reproduced in Germany and other European countries.

Origin & Date Period:
The Germany mark (without “West” or “East”) suggests manufacture prior to the division of Germany in 1949, or after reunification in 1990. Given the style, glaze, and font, it is more likely pre-WWII (circa 1900–1930), possibly from a porcelain maker in the Thuringia or Saxony region. The impressed or stamped number is likely a mold or pattern reference rather than a date code.

History & Use:
Such canisters were part of larger German kitchen storage sets, often including labeled jars for flour, sugar, rice, coffee, and spices. They were designed for practical use but are now collected for their decorative value and craftsmanship. Your family provenance — passed down from your grandmother to your mother and then to you — supports an early 20th-century acquisition.

Condition:
The piece appears to be in excellent condition, with no visible cracks, chips, or glaze loss. Retention of the original lid is significant for value.

Current Market Value:
Values for authentic antique German Blue Onion kitchen canisters vary depending on maker, condition, rarity of the label (“Oatmeal” is less common than “Rice” or “Flour”), and whether they are part of a complete set. Based on recent sales:

• Single antique oatmeal canister (Germany, Blue Onion, excellent condition): $45–$85 USD
• Part of a complete set: Individual canisters can bring a premium when sold with others, sometimes $75–$100 each.

Authentication Notes:
While the style and mark are consistent with German porcelain from the early 20th century, identifying the exact maker (e.g., Meissen, C.A. Schramberg, or other Saxon/Thuringian factories) would require expert examination. A professional porcelain appraiser or auction house specializing in European ceramics could provide definitive authentication.

Recommendation:
Given the condition, provenance, and potential age, you may wish to have it professionally appraised if you ever decide to insure it or sell it, especially if you possess more canisters from the same set.

German Porcelain Maker’s Mark Reference Chart (Blue Onion–Style Kitchenware)

Manufacturer: C.A. Schramberg (Schramberger Majolikafabrik)
Marking Style (1900–1930s): “Germany” stamped in serif letters; sometimes includes mold numbers underneath
Notes: Produced Blue Onion and floral kitchen canisters in the 1910–1930 period; often labeled in English for export
Likelihood for This Canister: Medium – English “Oatmeal” label fits export profile

Manufacturer: Villeroy & Boch (Mettlach)
Marking Style (1900–1930s): Often impressed or stamped “Germany” with a 3–5 digit mold number; no crest on utilitarian wares
Notes: Made many export kitchen sets with stenciled English labels
Likelihood for This Canister: High – mark’s simplicity and numbering are consistent

Manufacturer: Seltmann Weiden
Marking Style (1900–1930s): “Germany” in small serif font, sometimes with pattern number
Notes: Produced Blue Onion kitchenware in the 1920s–30s; labels often in German, but English labels for export exist
Likelihood for This Canister: Medium

Manufacturer: Bavaria region makers (e.g., Jaeger & Co., Winterling)
Marking Style (1900–1930s): “Germany” stamp, sometimes with “Bavaria” or floral mark; mold numbers below
Notes: Many exported blue-and-white canisters, sometimes English-labeled
Likelihood for This Canister: Medium-low (most included “Bavaria” if for export)

Manufacturer: Wallendorf
Marking Style (1900–1930s): Simple “Germany” mark; mold or style number impressed
Notes: Less common for kitchen canisters, but possible
Likelihood for This Canister: Low

Manufacturer: Reinhold Schlegelmilch (R.S. Prussia / R.S. Germany)
Marking Style (1900–1930s): Usually ornate “RS Germany” in wreath; rarely just “Germany”
Notes: Known for fine porcelain; rare for utilitarian canisters
Likelihood for This Canister: Low

Manufacturer: Meissen (post-1800s exports)
Marking Style (1900–1930s): Crossed swords mark; export pieces could be marked “Germany”
Notes: Would always include swords logo; not the case here
Likelihood for This Canister: Very low

How to Narrow It Down:

1. Font Style & Ink – Compare the “Germany” font style to period references. Villeroy & Boch and Schramberg often used the same slightly condensed serif type.
2. Mold Number Placement – The “781’s” is unusual; some Schramberg molds used an apostrophe-like mark for glaze batch codes.
3. Canister Shape & Lid Fit – Villeroy & Boch’s Blue Onion kitchen canisters had slightly domed lids (like this one) and the banded label section.
4. Pattern Motifs – If the floral scrollwork closely matches V&B’s Zwiebelmuster variation (with both onion and peony elements), that’s a strong indicator.

Recommendation:

• Compare the “Germany 781’s” stamp against archived German export mark databases (e.g., PM&M Porcelain Marks & More).
• Examine the inside glaze and base ring for distinctive finishing tool marks.
• Contact a European ceramics auction house (such as Dorotheum or Dr. Fischer) with detailed base and pattern photos for confirmation.