Fake & Repro Marks:

[1] : STW Bavaria

This transfer-applied 'cover-up' mark is fairly often found on items in the U.S. but has also re-surfaced in Germany. As Mark Chervenka correctly noted on page 201 of his book 'Guide to Fake & Forged Marks' this mark was used by an until now unknown American importer who used it for reproduced china of the 1970s and 1990s; Chervenka also notes the often seen addition of a blue stamped 'beehive' (better: the 'Bindenschild') mark. Fact is that there never was a Bavarian manufacturing company or a decoration studio that either used that type of mark or had a name that would fit to those initials.

A recent theory goes that the unknown importer simply bought large amounts of good-looking but cheap goods (perhaps not even in Germany) and then had them remarked with this cover-up mark similar to the proceedings commonly used by decorating studios. That would prevent somebody seeing the original manufacturer mark or country of (real) origin and would avoid having to sign agreements/contracts with the manufacturer - but that is theory. On another note I may add that I was contacted by various people that mentioned an additional marking on their items stating "A.A. Importing St. Louis - Made In Germany" so perhaps there is a chance that this mystery will be solved someday.

The other two marks that just show 'W' over 'BAVARIA' are also quite vexing as they were also mentioned in context with A.A. Importing (hearsay, no proof); if you look closely you can see that these marks cover a big fat 'JAPAN'. Even if the marks are not related in any way it would still be interesting to find out more.

Marks

Image 1-01

'STW' over 'BAVARIA' and 'GERMANY' on a shield under a crown.

Image 1-02

Letter 'W' above a star over 'BAVARIA', the mark itself covers 'JAPAN'.

Image 1-03

Same as before but this time taken from a slightly different angle.