My goodness, this is a charming piece. My daughter found it at a small antique store that was selling off their inventory and we both struggled to not just keep it! The sweet design of the yellow and white flowers adorning the inner edges and the center are more rare. The intricate scalloped design of the edge, along with the raised flourishes add an element of elegance to counter balance the whimsicality of the flowers. Really, it would go with a formal dinner table setting or a casual, rustic one, just as well.

The back has the Zeh Scherzer red mark with Z., S. & C. R. inside the shield and the crown on top and BAVARIA on the bottom in red. My research indicates this mark was used from 1899 - 1910. Other information regarding the company is as follows:

The firm was established in Rehau in 1880 by Johann Nicol Adam Zeh. His partners were Johann Michael Scherzer junior, Georg Adam Winterling, Johann Nicol Jacob junior, Johann Andreas Karl Wolfel and Johann Paulus Hertel.

In 1908 the company opened their own art department. In 1910 it was transformed into a limited company (Porzellanfabrik Zeh, Scherzer & Co. A.G.). It exported over 70 percent of production to United States. Quality of Zeh Scherzer products was compared to Rosenthal or Hutschenreuther.

In 1924 the company bought Porzellanfabrik Elster located in Mühlhausen in Saxony and owned it till 1935. In 1992 the company stopped production of porcelain.

The piece is in wonderful condition, especially considering it's age. There is some rubbing off of the gold paint used to adorn the top rim and a few spots on the floral design. No chips, cracks or broken areas. No crazing either. Both the inside and outside retain a very shiny finish. It could use a good cleaning and it is ready to serve at your Easter table, and then display on the shelf when not in use.

Dimensions:

12 1/8" X 7" X 2 1/2"