Antique Porcelain Coffee Set By Victoria Austria, C. Early 20th Century

This unique set of six coffee cups with matching saucers is crafted from fine, translucent porcelain. Dating back to the early 20th century, when the Victoria Austria porcelain company was thriving, the cups are richly decorated with gilded patterns against a rose-colored background. Each cup features an image of two grouse, with three different designs in total. The saucers are adorned with hand-painted, multicolored butterflies, adding a vibrant touch to the ensemble.
The quality of the cups is exceptionally high. The most surprising aspect is the mark found on the cups and saucers. They bear a gold anchor mark traditionally associated with the Chelsea company, which ceased operations in 1769, though the mark continued to be used until 1775 by Chelsea-Derby. We speculate that, for reasons unknown, Victoria Austria produced this set for a particular customer, closely replicating the style of a Chelsea set. The exact purpose and reasoning behind this choice remain unclear.
On one of the cups, they initially stamped their own Victoria mark, but subsequently covered it with an image of a rose and placed the Chelsea mark beside it. The overall design of the cups and saucers—the shape of the handles, the layout of the decoration, and the patterns—emulates the Chelsea style. For a collector of Victoria Austria porcelain, this set is likely unique, making it a valuable addition to any serious collection of antique porcelain.
The factory was established in 1883 in Karlsbad (Karlovy Vary) by the London-based company Lazarus & Rosenfeld Ltd. In 1885, it was purchased by Franz Schmidt and renamed Porzellanfabrik Victoria Schmidt & Co. In 1927, it became a joint-stock company, Porzellanfabrik Victoria AG. In 1945, together with the Altrohlau Porcelain Company, it was integrated into the state-owned EPIAG / Starorolský Porcelán. By 1958, it had become part of Karlovarský Porcelán Stará Role II. Today, it is a part of Thun Karlovarský Porcelán.
Victoria porcelain is instantly recognizable for its distinctive designs and delicate craftsmanship. The exteriors of these pieces were often embellished with elegant motifs inspired by various themes, including scenes featuring Romanesque women, delicate floral patterns, and graceful, feminine lines and shapes. Mythological characters also frequently appeared. Among its many creations, Victoria produced souvenirs for the St. Louis World’s Fair and for cities such as Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. The company’s range was extensive, including fish sets, chocolate sets, dinner services, desk furnishings, oyster plates, biscuit jars, cake plates, match strikers, cabinet plates, tea wares, urns, and vases. Particularly noteworthy is the company’s use of rich and vibrant colors, often accented with gilt edges and trims for a luxurious finish.
Please examine the accompanying photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of this description. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Please note that the shipping costs include labor, packaging, and postage.