AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a detailed view of the base of a vintage Mid-Century Modern ceramic vase, manufactured by the renowned West German firm Scheurich Keramik. The item is crafted from white or red clay, finished with a vibrant, glossy reddish-orange glaze that exhibits a fine, consistent texture characteristic of high-quality mid-20th-century European pottery. The base is circular and slightly recessed, featuring embossed molded markings that are crisp and legible. The text 'scheurich' in a lowercase sans-serif font is visible, accompanied by the company’s distinct three-circle (clover-like) logo. Below this, the phrase 'Made in GERMANY' is embossed in uppercase letters. The mold number '629-18' is clearly impressed, where '629' indicates the shape and '18' denotes the height of the vessel in centimeters (approximately 7 inches). The condition appears excellent with minimal visible shelf wear to the unglazed foot rim. There is a small area in the center that appears to have some adhesive residue from a prior price tag or label, but no chips, cracks, or significant crazing are visible in this photograph. This piece represents the 'Fat Lava' era of ceramic production, typically dating from the 1960s to the 1970s, known for its bold colors and experimental glazes.

I have examined the digital photograph of the base of this Scheurich Keramik vase, mold number 629-18. Based on the crisp, molded markings including the 'scheurich' lowercase font, the three-circle logo, and the specific 'Made in GERMANY' typeface, the item appears to be an authentic piece of West German pottery from the late 1960s or 1970s. The glaze quality and the shape number 629 are consistent with the era. The condition appears to be 'near mint' with negligible shelf wear on the unglazed foot rim and no visible chips or hairlines. The market for West German pottery is currently stable, though prices for Scheurich pieces remain accessible compared to more experimental makers like Otto or Roth. The 18cm height is a standard intermediate size, making it a desirable entry-point piece for MCM collectors. The vibrant glaze adds appeal, though the 629 shape is relatively common. While this image provides strong visual evidence of authenticity, a final valuation requires in-person inspection to rule out internal cracks (invisible from the base), professional repairs under UV light, and to confirm the tactile nature of the glaze. No scientific testing is typically required for pieces of this value, but original factory foil labels would provide a premium to the valuation.