Alt Strassburg Appraisal

Villeroy & Boch 'Alt Strassburg' Teacup and Saucer

This is a vintage teacup and saucer set manufactured by Villeroy & Boch, featuring their 'Alt Strassburg' pattern. The set consists of an off-white or cream-colored ceramic teacup and a matching saucer. Both pieces are adorned with a vibrant, multi-colored floral and fruit motif, characteristic of the 'Alt Strassburg' design, which includes pink roses, yellow flowers, blue forget-me-nots, and various berries or small fruits. The rims of both the cup and saucer have a distinctive scalloped or undulating edge, outlined with a solid dark green pinstripe, which also outlines the handle of the teacup. Physical characteristics include a standard teacup size with a C-shaped handle and a shallow, wide saucer designed to hold the cup. The material appears to be a durable ceramic or earthenware, commonly used for tableware. The colors are bright and well-preserved, suggesting an 'underglaze' decoration process, which is confirmed by the marking on the bottom of the cup. The underside of the teacup bears a visible green maker's mark that includes 'V&B Mettlach', 'ALT STRASSBURG', and 'Unterglasur' (German for underglaze), indicating its origin and manufacturing technique. Minor signs of wear are visible, particularly around the rims, where the green pinstripe shows some slight fading or abrasion. There are no obvious chips, cracks, or repairs, though a small scuff or imperfection is visible on the edge of the saucer in one of the close-up images. The overall condition suggests a well-cared-for item with typical age-related wear. This pattern is known for its rococo-inspired, traditional European aesthetic, and was popular from the mid-20th century onwards.