Franziska Base Appraisal

Zeller Keramik 'Franziska' Pitcher Base

The item is a ceramic pitcher, primarily visible from its base. The base features a rich, warm brown or amber-colored glaze with a glossy finish. The construction appears sturdy and well-formed. A significant observable detail is the impressed number "4536." deeply etched into the ceramic, likely serving as a model number or production code. Below this, there is a clear manufacturer's mark: a circular stamp with the text "ZELL" at the top, a stylized 'S' in the center, and "am Harmersbach" curved around the bottom. This mark indicates the item was produced by Zeller Keramik, a well-known German pottery manufacturer. The word "Franziska" is written in a cursive script, possibly indicating a pattern name or a specific line within the Zeller Keramik range. A modern white sticker with red text is affixed to the base, which reads "Keramik-Stube Lahz/Schwarz. Am Luisenplatz," suggesting it was sold by a ceramics shop in Germany. There is a small area of surface wear or a glaze chip visible on the base, appearing as a lighter, irregularly shaped patch where the glaze has been compromised. The overall condition, aside from this minor blemish, appears good, with the glaze retaining its high shine. Given the distinct manufacturer's mark and the style of the impressed numbers, this item likely dates from the mid to late 20th century. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality, typical of mass-produced yet durable domestic ceramics.