Germany / Rhineland-Palatinate / Frankenthal:

[1] : Porzellanfabrik F. Wessel (1949 until 1964)

There is only very little known about this manufacturer, most probably because the business only existed for a very a short time. Friedrich Wilhelm Wessel founded the factory in 1949 and mainly produced lace figurines and porcelain household utilities. Nearly right from the start he got into constant trouble for the misuse of the 'Dresden' designation (e.g. Dresden Art, Dresdner Art, etc.) which he was not allowed to use as his items were not decorated in Dresden, in any Dreden decoration style like Dresden florals, nor were they decorated by workers that had learned the trade in a Dresden decoration studio. In addition Wessel also used a slightly modified but nonetheless unauthorized copy of an older Frankenthal mark which further increased his problems. The only other thing that seems sure is that he was not related with the well known Wessel family from Bonn (Northrhine-Westphalia).

Marks

Image 1-01

Used between 1949 and 1964.

Image 1-02

Used between 1949 and 1964.
(Picture by Guy van Steen)

Image 1-03

Used between 1949 and 1964.
(Picture by Darcy Haynes)

Image 1-04

Used between 1949 and 1964, here with the additions 'MADE IN GERMANY' over HANDGEMALT.
(Picture by Guy Gioia)

Image 1-05

Used between 1949 and 1964, here with the additions 'MADE IN GERMANY' over 'HANDGEMALT' as well as 'DRESDEN ART'..

Image 1-06

Used between 1950 and 1957. Unauthorised 'remake' of one of the old Frankenthal marks; only addition is the 'W'.
(Picture by N.B. Peterson)

Image 1-07

Used between 1950 and 1957. Same as before but with smaller 'W' and additional 'FRANKENTHAL'; can also be found in red.

Image 1-08

Used between 1950 and 1957. Here with 'FRANKENTHAL' and 'PORZELLAN' additions; can also be found in red.
(Picture by N.B. Peterson)

Image 1-09

Used between 1951 and 1964, a stylized crown over 'FRANKENTHAL'.
(Picture by Helena Karow)

Image 1-10

Used between 1951 and 1964, a stylized crown over 'FRANKENTHAL' and a good example of how unreadable most marks were.

Image 1-11

Used between 1951 and 1964, 'HANDGEMALT', 'DRESDEN ART' and offset 'MADE IN GERMANY'.

Image 1-12

Used between 1951 and 1964, 'HANDGEMALT', 'DRESDEN ART' and 'MADE IN GERMANY'.