West German Pottery Decorative Objects

To identify West German pottery, look on the bottom or interior for markings. Many pieces will have markings with the words "West Germany.” Others may instead or also have markings with the maker's name. By researching the maker's mark, you can determine whether the manufacturer was a West German company. Well-known West German pottery manufacturers include Scheurich, ES Keramik, Ceramano and Ruscha. Some pottery also has an item or piece number on it; this can be used to learn more about your piece's age, style or line name and other characteristics. If you can't find any markings on your piece, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer help you with identifying it. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of West German pottery.

The markings on West German pottery vary. Nearly all pieces will include the words "West Germany," indicating the place of origin. Some also feature a piece or style number and/or a company logo or marking. You can compare the markings on your pottery to images posted on trusted online resources to identify pieces. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of West German pottery.

A number of brands are West German pottery. Among them are Scheurich, Bay, Carstens, Otto, Ceramano and Dumler and Breiden. Basically, any pottery company that operated in western Germany between 1949 and 1990 can be categorized as West German. On 1stDibs, explore an assortment of pottery from some of the world's top sellers.

Yes, some West German pottery is worth something. Fat Lava-style pieces are particularly popular among some collectors, and there is often a demand for pottery produced by specific West German makers, such as Scheurich, ES Keramik, Ceramano and Ruscha. Generally, the age, style, type and condition will influence how much a particular piece may be worth. To get an estimated value for a particular item, consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of West German pottery.

What the numbers mean on West German pottery varies. In some cases, the numbers represent the date of production. More often, the numbers represent the piece number — indicating what order it was produced in — or the style of the pottery. On 1stDibs, explore a range of West German pottery.