Are brochures or catalogues of old FÜRSTENBERG tableware series still available?
No, FÜRSTENBERG only archives specimen copies which we cannot give away.
Can I have the value of my porcelain estimated by you?
Unfortunately, we do not do valuations. However, our evaluation service in the museum in the castle can provide a non-binding guide value. You can obtain the names and addresses of sworn experts for art and antiques, household items and porcelain from your local Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
What do I need to have my FÜRSTENBERG porcelain identified?
Over the course of its soon to be 270-year history, FÜRSTENBERG has produce thousands of different articles. This means that there is no complete catalogue of all porcelain pieces produced in FÜRSTENBERG. Porcelain identification is not always easy. In principle, details of the range with the model number and a description of the décor are required to identify a piece of porcelain. Initial guidance is provided by our brand history overview and additional literature. At our expert evaluations in the museum, we will attempt to help you to identify your FÜRSTENBERG porcelain.
Where can I have my FÜRSTENBERG porcelain identified?
We will be delighted to identify your FÜRSTENBERG porcelain. For this purpose, our museum holds expert evaluations several times a year at a small cost in addition to admission to the museum. For a non-binding identification, please bring hollow pieces such as coffee and teapots, creamers or sugar bowls, terrines or gravy boats from tableware sets because cups are only sometimes useful for such identification, and plates generally do not provide enough information for this purpose. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide valuations and we cannot respond to written enquiries. Please register by calling +49 5271 401-161.
Can I buy FÜRSTENBERG porcelain direct from you?
Yes. In addition to our Manufactory Store you can also purchase items directly from our online shop. This contains our complete range of products.
How can I identify porcelain from FÜRSTENBERG?
Since 1753, every piece of FÜRSTENBERG porcelain has been marked with a blue F under the glaze. Prior to 1866, the mark was made by hand, since then it has been stamped. The style and typography of the F have changed over the years which means that this can be used to specify the approximate date of manufacture of the porcelain.
What does the green F mark mean on my porcelain?
Pieces of porcelain with an ivory glaze or made of celadon compound developed at the end of the 1920s bore a green rather than a blue F mark until the 1980s.
What does the painted or stamped sequence of numbers mean next to the manufacturing mark on the base of my FÜRSTENBERG porcelain?
The numbers are not part numbers or paint symbols, in fact they are decoy numbers. They designate the motif and the decoration technique used on the piece of porcelain. They say nothing about the porcelain model, the tableware series or the period of manufacture since a décor is often used for various ranges, for example on gift items such as series of different vase models or tableware with a gold edge. In addition, the identification system has been changed several times over the course of the company’s history.
I can see weakly embossed letters or numbers on the base of my FÜRSTENBERG porcelain. What do they mean?
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the turners and shapers marked larger pieces with their initials (for example N for Nagel) before they were fired. – The multiple-digit numbers on hollow forms have designated the model number since the 20th century (for example model number 641 = ALT FÜRSTENBERG design).
There is a blue number on the base of my FÜRSTENBERG porcelain. What does it mean?
The size of pots or vases were marked in this way in the 18th and 19th centuries. On cups it stands for the model number.
Is there a list or database with all décor numbers and range designations for FÜRSTENBERG porcelain?
No, unfortunately there is not. Over the centuries, there have been so many different forms and décors that it is impossible to produce a complete list.
How do I find out which décor/shape is in the current FÜRSTENBERG collection?
If you cannot find your tableware and/or the décor you are looking for on our homepage, send us an email with your questions. We will be delighted to provide you with information about our current collection.
Where can I purchase single pieces of FÜRSTENBERG porcelain from discontinued ranges which are no longer available from the factory store?
There are various swap and tableware exchanges which specialise in sourcing single pieces. Some of these exchanges are available on the Internet. With a little luck, you may also find what you are looking for on Internet auction house websites.
I have collectors’ plates with the FÜRSTENBERG trademark. Can you tell me how many of them were made?
At various points in time, FÜRSTENBERG has produced collectors’ plates for various companies which then marketed them directly. Unfortunately, we have no documentation about the quantities or motifs for these series.
Can you recommend special books about Porzellanmanufaktur FÜRSTENBERG?
Thomas Krueger (pub.), Sammellust – Eine Einführung in das Sammeln von Porzellan aus FÜRSTENBERG. Holzminden, Verlag Jörg Mitzkat, 2010 (= Documents on the history of Fürstenberg porcelain 3, published by Freundeskreis Fürstenberger Porzellan e.V.). ISBN 978-3-931751-29-4. This book is available for € 24.80 in the museum with no postage charge.
Can you recommend special books for identifying porcelain?
Ludwig Danckert: Handbuch des Europäischen Porzellans (Directory of European Porcelain), Munich 1954 and numerous later editions. – J. G. Th. Graesse, E. Jaennicke: Führer für Sammler von Porzellan und Fayence, Steinzeug, Steingut usw. Braunschweig, 1986, numerous editions. – Elisabeth Trux: Schnellkurs Altes Porzellan. Cologne: dumont 2005. – Dieter Zühlsdorf: Markenlexikon. Porzellan und Keramik Report, 1885-1935. Band 1: Europa (no longer in print). Stuttgart 1989.
I want to find out more about the technique of porcelain production. Is specialist literature available on this subject?
Hans Friedl: 100 Fragen über Porzellan: Warum? Weshalb? Wieso? Published by Verband der Keramischen Industrie e.V. Selb, 22nd revised edition 2013. This book is available for € 5.00 in the museum in the castle with no postage charge. Also: Thomas Krueger (pub.), Sammellust – Eine Einführung in das Sammeln von Porzellan aus FÜRSTENBERG. Holzminden, Verlag Jörg Mitzkat, 2010 (= Documents on the history of Fürstenberg porcelain 3, published by Freundeskreis Fürstenberger Porzellan e.V.). ISBN 978-3-931751-29-4. This book is available for € 24.80 in the museum with no postage charge.
Is there an availability guarantee for FÜRSTENBERG porcelain?
As long as there are still stocks of shapes and décors which are no longer in the current collection, you can purchase them. Ask us by email or phone.
Can I also obtain decorated FÜRSTENBERG porcelain in pure white?
All service and gift items which have a décor are also available in white.
Can you repair porcelain?
Unfortunately, we do not have a repair or restoration service. There are specialist porcelain restorers and porcelain clinics in almost every region which can carry ou Please refer to the Internet or yellow pages for their names and addresses.
Can I put porcelain in the dishwasher?
All white articles and all décors which are fired at approx. 1200°C are essentially dishwasher-safe. The glaze softens at this temperature and the décor sinks in. This makes its colour and intensity indestructible and it is also scratch- and wear-proof. The porcelain can then by cleaned in a dishwasher without any problem. Hand-painted articles must not be placed in a dishwasher as a result of their high-quality paints.
Can I put porcelain in the microwave?
The rule of thumb is that all articles with a precious metal décor (for example gold or platinum) must not be put in the microwave. White articles (with no décor) can be used in the microwave without any problem.
Can I visit the production department of Porzellanmanufaktur Fürstenberg?
The porcelain experts provide information on the various production techniques and processes in the Visitors’ workshop in the museum. Those who wish to be creative can attend courses in porcelain painting or workshops on porcelain production. Find out more about current dates. Porzellanmanufaktur FÜRSTENBERG also stages an open day every two years or so when it opens its doors to interested visitors. The next date is shown in Events.
What are the opening times of your museum and factory store?
Our opening times are available here.