Pottery

[cockatiel]

I have a pottery bowl whidch belonged to my grandmother, so it may be at least 100 yrs old. It was made in Bonn, Germany. The mark on the base is not so clear, but shows a castle and the name Franz -- (Wilhelm?) If anyone knows anything about German pottery, I would be interested to know about who might have made this bowl and if it is of any value apart from sentimental value

[Upforit]

Could it be Franz A Mehlem? A little research showed he had a factory in Bonn on the Rhine 1836 and produced earthenware and porcelain until 1920, so the dates seem to match your item. Items were known as Royal Bonn. Could the castle actually be a crown, since this appears to have been the mark used for his work. Try 'googling' Franz Melhem. There are a lot of sites selling his ware, but several show pottery marks and give more information which you may be able to use to identify this as one of his pieces. There are some marks here- http://www.porcelainmarksandmore.com/northrhin e/poppelsdorf_2/00.php. Scroll down the page. Though not dated they may help somewhat. You could, of course take it to a local auction house and I am sure they will help with identifying the piece. Sorry I cannot be more helpful.

[cockatiel]

Many thanks for your reply Upforit. My bowl was manufactured by Franz Anton Mehlem. I looked up the website you gave me. Made very interesting reading