The History of Trademarks
Trademarks are designations belonging to the category of signs indicating goods, and the history of these signs is as old as trade itself. The trade routes of antiquity were established as early as the 4th millennium BC, giving rise to traditional barter. Through the intermediaries of the Arabs, Phoenicians, Greeks, and later the Romans, the goods of distant regions spread, carrying in their names their geographical origins: Egyptian grain, Indian precious stones, Chinese tea, Chinese porcelain, and so on. These were the “brands” of antiquity. On most ceramics (survivors of centuries or even millennia of trials), an identifying mark can be found, indicating the place of creation or the creator. In ancient states, individual creators marked their products with their own symbols. Ancient Chinese porcelain marks, used for over 3000 years (simple graphic characters, depictions of nature), markings on ancient Egyptian clay vessels (geometric shapes), symbols used by the Greeks (depictions of animals and plants), and markings on Roman pottery (letters, name abbreviations) are all known. In guild trading and early industry, these marks were used to indicate goods conveyed the origin from a particular city guild member or factory owner. These can be considered the ancestors of collective trademarks…”
During the almost 200 years history of Herend Porcelain, the Manufactory has used many different trademarks.
What is a Herend trademark?
Our Custumers ask and we listen! Many of you requested a guide to identify the different trademarks and stamps of Herend Porcelain. First and foremost you’ll find your trademark on the bottom of each piece. It looks like this:
Every stamp comes with a:
- Trademark
- A number under the trademark that identifies the shape
- A letter code that identifies the Herend decor
- If the item is a masterpiece it’s usually signed
- Sometimes it’s also numbered if it’s a limited edition masterpiece
Here’s the map of the different marks used from time to time:
Do you have this trademark?
This trademark has been used by Herend Porcelain during the Communist Years, when the Manufactory was owned by the Hungarian Government. They used this trademark for 2nd and 3rd class products. This is not a student mark, as these marks do not exist. The value of items with these marks are significantly lower than a first-class Herend Porcelain piece.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION! Herend has been manufactured only the 1st class, fine porcelain made with kaolin, quartz and feldspar since the 1980s.
If you have a Herend Porcelain piece it’s most likely has one of the trademarks above. If you have a Herend antique selection from before the 1900s, it could have the following very special trademarks:
We sincerely help this map will help many Herend Collectors to identify the approximate year your Herend piece has been manufactured. Please note that Herend Canada do not offer appraisal service nor purchase older pieces. If you’re interested to purchase a new piece you can contact us anytime: info@herend.ca
