A charming and unique tète-à-tète coffee/tea set; the pieces are made of French white glazed faience; one cup is inscribed with the French word “Toi,” the other with “Moi,” and the milk jug with “Nous deux,” clearly indicating that the set is intended for use by two people in love, hence the name “tète-à-tète”! The marks visible in the photo belong to Villeroy & Boch, a historic ceramics manufacturer founded in 1748 in Mettlach, Saarland, Germany. Marking: “Made in France–Saar Economic Union.” After World War II, the Saar region (where Mettlach is located) was temporarily separated from Germany and placed under French administration. During this period (1947–1956), the “France–Saar Economic Union” was established, and ceramics produced in that area bore this inscription. The wording “Made in France–Saar Economic Union” was only in use between 1947 and 1956, making the piece easily datable to that period. After 1957, the Saar officially returned to Germany and the marks changed to “Made in Germany.” In the case of our coffee set, the appearance of the bottom and the mark suggests that it is glazed faïence, typical of post-war production in Mettlach. The decoration on the rim—a green “cracklé” or marbled pattern (or at least a similar effect), with a gold fillet on the edge—is quite distinctive and indicates a more elegant decorative band. It is plausible that this is glazed faience or fine tableware, rather than more rustic ware. Considering the mark, which reads “Made in France – Saar Economic Union,” the date would be, as mentioned, between approximately 1947-1956. In this context, the series may have been produced during that transitional period, which may explain why it is not immediately traceable in the most common catalogs (which often deal with production before or after that period). The “marbled green + gold” decoration may have been a more elegant edition intended for a more refined clientele. The set is in good condition. Dimensions: saucer diameter 17 cm, height 2 cm; cup 10 cm x 13 cm, height 6 cm; milk jug 17 cm x 10 cm, height 10 cm.
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SILVER Seller in Prato, Italy
