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The "RS" in RS Prussia is derived from its founder, Reinhold Schlegelmilch. While his factory enjoyed limited success, it was
the work of his two sons, Arnold and Ehrhard that would make the mark
bearing his initials famous. While Ehrhard continued to operate the
factory in Suhl, Arnold went on to found a second factory in nearby
Tillowitz. These two operations produced the majority of their
products for export beginning in 1892 up until the beginning of World
War I. During this period, most of the pieces exported to the United
States bore the mark described above, with Prussia in red beneath. In
1910, the Tillowitz factory began using the all-green "RS Germany"
mark, and miraculously continued producing fine China through the
Second World War. The original factory in Suhl closed down before the
First World War ended. To view RS Prussia and RS Germany porcelain marks, click here.
 "RS
Prussia" porcelain is known both for the complexity of its molds and
for the beauty of the patterns, most of which were applied using floral
transfers. Many of the pieces also bear some degree of hand
decoration, such as gold gilding or embellishments like thick enameling
to give the floral prints texture. The variety of glazes applied at
the RS factory is also significant. Depending on the particular
finishing materials used, RS pieces may bear a glossy, iridescent,
luster or matte surface appearance.
 Pieces bearing
both the "RS Prussia" and the "RS Germany" mark can be found among the
Nacq Partners, Ltd. collection. Depending on when they were produced, the
qualities of these items may be almost indistinguishable. It is
generally understood, however, that the pieces produced at the Tillowitz factory bearing the "RS Germany" mark throughout the years
tended to simpler molds and more subtle decoration. In the 1920's,
some
 of the Tillowitz pieces began reflecting growing
preferences in both the United States and Europe for "art deco" or
modern art involving solid colors and geometric shapes. It should also
be mentioned that more "blanks" were produced at the Tillowitz factory,
and were shipped abroad for decorating. The Pickard mark is the most
common one to be found on "RS Germany" blanks, which was a highly
successful decorating studio established in 1894 in Illinois.
Whatever strain
of the "RS" lineage you are seeking, we hope to help you find the
pieces you desire within the diversity of our collection.
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