Germany / Bavaria / Marktredwitz:

Comment:

The first porcelain factory in the town of Marktredwitz opened in the year 1898 and was known under the name of 'Porzellanfabrik Jaeger, Thomas & Co.' until Thomas decided to open his own factory in 1903. Jaeger of course continued business as 'Porzellanfabrik Jaeger & Co.' and both companies later became famous, each with their own range of products.

[1] : Porzellanfabrik Thomas & Ens (1903 until 1908)

It should be mentioned that before Thomas actually decided to leave the company he had intensive talks with his new partner Ens to avoid the problems he had encountered during his time with Jaeger, who had a totally different opinion regarding certain product lines. Ens however was not interested in actually taking up an active part in running the business as he was more like an investor that also carried a well-known name. Based on the ideas Thomas introduced, success was nearly instantaneous and the new company quickly caught the attention of the 'Porzellanfabrik Ph. Rosenthal' company in Selb.

[2] : Porzellanfabrik Thomas (1908 until 1960)

Partner Ens quit out of the company at the end of 1907 which enabled the 'Rosenthal AG' to advance to major shareholder in 1908; since then, the 'Porzellanfabrik Thomas' has been run as an independent subsidiary of Rosenthal. Official records regarding the number of workers employed show a number of 400 for the year 1913, a number that greatly increased until 1930 (1,000 workers) but dropped down again before 1937 as only 750 workers were registered in that year.

Note that in 1960 production was transferred to a new site named 'Thomas am Kulm' which is located in Speichersdorf (Upper Franconia). The famous Italian architect Marcello Morandini later decorated the building's flat facade with geometric patterns for the 25-year anniversary in 1985.

[3] : Krister Porzellan-Manufaktur A.G. (1965 until 1971)

For five years the factory in Marktredwitz was left standing empty until the Rosenthal group found another use for it. Following the loss of the Rosenthal-owned original Krister Porzellan-Manufaktur A.G. plant in Waldenburg (Silesia) after World War II, the group had built a replacement factory in Landstuhl (Rhineland-Palatinate) during 1952/53. This factory was by now not working efficiently anymore and as the location in Marktredwitz had a better infrastructure it was decided to move the factory to Marktredwitz in 1965. But the name of the great former Silesian enterprise was discontinued in 1971 due to 'organizational reasons' and the factory finally closed down. The name and trademarks were kept active until the year 2004; Rosenthal then had the trademark registration for the Krister marks erased.

Marks

Image 1-01

Used between 1903 and 1908, stands for 'Thomas und Ens, Marktredwitz', registered at the R.W.Z.R. under №·71·820 on September 5th 1904.

Image 1-02

Used between 1905 and 1908, from 1905 onwards this mark slowly replaced the former mark.

Image 2-03

Used between 1908 and 1939, was re-registered at the R.W.Z.R. under №·419·522 on June 6th 1930. Also used without 'THOMAS' or 'BAVARIA'.

Image 2-04

Used between 1908 and 1939, same as before.

Image 2-05

Used between 1908 and 1939, here one without 'THOMAS' and 'BAVARIA' written in a straight line.

Image 2-06

Used between 1908 and 1939, another one without 'THOMAS' but this time with 'SEVRES' series addition.

Image 2-07

Used between 1939 and 1952, 'THOMAS IVORY' over 'THOMAS BAVARIA' and 'GERMANY'.

Image 2-08

Used between 1946 and 1949, with 'US ZONE'.

Image 2-09

Normally used between 1939 and 1952 but this modified version with the Rosenthal 'R' addition was used shortly before the next mark came out.

Image 2-10

Used between 1953 and 1960, both with or without 'GERMANY'.

Image 2-11

Used between 1953 and 1960.

Image 2-12

Used between 1953 and 1960.

Image 2-13

Used between 1959 and 1977, both with or without 'GERMANY', note there's no knob for the 'lid'.

Image 2-14

Used between 1959 and 1977, both with or without 'GERMANY', this one has a knob.

Image 2-15

Used between 1978 and 1998, both with or without 'GERMANY'.

Image 2-16

Used from 1998 onwards.