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Identification

Meissen Porcelain Chinoiserie Cupid Figurine, Model F.275 (Factory Second)

Photo reference

5 uploaded photos

Overview

The base features a clear underglaze blue Meissen crossed swords mark with pommels (Knauf period, c. 1850-1924), confirming the era. The impressed model number 'F. 275' matches known Meissen catalogs for this Chinoiserie Cupid form.

Story

Meissen is Europe's oldest hard-paste porcelain manufacturer, renowned for its exceptional quality and detailed modeling. This specific Chinoiserie Cupid (Model F. 275, later renumbered A. 1013) was designed by the celebrated sculptor Paul Scheurich around 1919. The 'Knauf' period crossed swords mark dates this specific casting to the late 19th or early 20th century, though the two incised lines across the mark indicate it was sold as a factory second due to firing flaws or painting imperfections.

Maker / Origin

Meissen

Condition & Value

The piece exhibits the classic polychrome enamel and gilt detailing expected of Meissen. However, the maker's mark bears two distinct incised strike-through lines, definitively marking it as a factory second.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The secondary market for early 20th-century Meissen figurines remains selective, with collectors heavily prioritizing pristine, first-choice examples. Pieces by notable modelers like Paul Scheurich (who designed this form) maintain steady demand, but condition issues or factory second marks severely limit buyer interest. Damaged or second-quality pieces typically trade at steep discounts, often appealing only to bargain hunters or restorers rather than premium collectors.

Value Drivers

▲ Exact model match (F. 275) to a known Paul Scheurich design for Meissen.

▲ Clear, authentic underglaze blue crossed swords mark confirming the Knauf period.

▲ Polychrome enamel and gilt decoration remain vibrant.

Concerns

▼ Factory second status (two strike-through lines on the mark) immediately caps the ceiling value.

▼ Suspected damage to the top of the bow; if confirmed broken, this drops the estimate to the $150-$200 floor.

▼ Missing exact dimensions prevents verifying the scale against standard catalog references.

Best Venue

Given the factory second status and suspected damage, this piece is best suited for an online marketplace like eBay or Ruby Lane rather than a premier auction house. List with clear, well-lit photos of the base marks and any damage to the bow, explicitly noting the factory second status to avoid buyer returns. An optimistic asking price of $350 is reasonable if the bow is intact, but expect offers closer to $150-$200 if damage is confirmed.

Upside Potential

If the bow is confirmed to be completely intact with no restoration, and the factory second flaw is minor (e. g., a hidden firing crack rather than a visible glaze defect), the piece could realize the high end of the range near $350, appealing to collectors willing to overlook the strike-through mark for an otherwise pristine display piece.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 2 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Schuler Auktionen· 2021-12-15
    MEISSEN, FIGUR "AMOR"
    Link could not be verified.
    $300
  • eXtrART
    Paul Scheurich, Meissen
    Too vague; excerpt describes various unrelated items and artists.
    $99