Preliminary identification

J. Rieber 'Iris' Bavarian Porcelain Platter, c.1920s

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

A fine example of Bavarian 'white gold' featuring a scalloped edge, hand-applied gilt rim, and delicate transfer-ware roses.

Story

Bavaria became the world's porcelain powerhouse in the early 20th century, producing wares that rivaled the great French houses of Limoges. This platter was produced by the J. Rieber factory shortly after they expanded to Mitterteich in 1918, a period when…

Maker / Origin

Josef Rieber founded his porcelain company in the late 19th century, but it was the opening of the Mitterteich plant in 1918 that cemented his legacy as a premier German manufacturer.

Condition & Value

The porcelain body appears to be in excellent condition with no visible chips or cracks. There is some light 'thinning' or rubbing to the gold gilt edge, which is typical for a piece of this age that has been handled. The foot rim shows minor shelf-wear staining, which is expected and does not significantly detract from the value.

Full Research

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

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD