Limoges France Porcelain Saucer or Collector Plate Back

The item is the underside of a porcelain plate or saucer, likely of Limoges origin, indicated by distinctive manufacturer marks. The material is a high-quality white, translucent hard-paste porcelain. The construction features a circular foot rim intended to elevate the piece and protect the surface it rests on. Centered within this ring are two primary markings: a gold-toned overglaze stamp and a blue underglaze circular mark. The gold mark includes the words 'LIMOGES,' 'FRANCE,' and 'FAIT MAIN,' which translates to 'Hand Made,' indicating decorative hand-detailing. Below this is a blue stamp reading 'LIMOGES FRANCE' in a circle around the initials 'AP,' identifying the specific studio or factory. Based on the style of the marks, this piece likely dates from the mid-20th century. The physical condition shows a minor accumulation of surface dust and slight discoloration on the unglazed foot rim, but the porcelain body and marks remain clear and intact with no visible cracks or deep chips. The presence of 'Fait Main' implies a higher level of craftsmanship, as it suggests the patterns on the obverse side were hand-painted rather than solely transfer-printed.

I have examined the digital images of the underside of this porcelain saucer/plate. The marks identify the piece as mid-20th-century Limoges porcelain produced by the André Pick (AP) studio. The presence of the blue underglaze mark alongside the 'Fait Main' gold overglaze stamp confirms that the factory-produced blank was subsequently decorated by hand. The physical condition appears Excellent to Near Mint; the foot rim shows expected shelf wear but the porcelain body and stamps remain crisp. In the current secondary market, Limoges plates of this era are frequently traded. While 'Fait Main' (Hand Made) status adds a premium over mass-produced transfer ware, the value of such pieces is heavily dependent on the pattern on the obverse side, which was not provided for this specific assessment. Comparables for standalone AP Limoges saucers or small decorative plates typically range from $30 to $100 depending on the complexity of the hand-painted artistry. Limitations: Analysis from images alone cannot confirm the chemical composition of the glaze or detect micro-fractures ('crazing') hidden to the naked eye. A physical inspection under UV light is necessary to rule out professional restoration. To fully authenticate and maximize the value of this piece, I would require a view of the front decoration, original provenance (such as a bill of sale or exhibition history), and tactile verification of the texture of the hand-painted elements. As only the back is visible, this value serves as a baseline for a high-quality Limoges decorative blank from this specific studio.