User:TaborszkiTamas/History and Marks of Bawo & Dotter Porcelain Factory

Bawo & Dotter was a significant porcelain manufacturing and importing company established in the 1860s in New York. Initially, the company's main goal was to import and distribute French Limoges porcelain in the United States. In the 1870s, Bawo & Dotter established its own decorating manufactory in Limoges, known as "Elite Works." In the 1890s, the company began producing its own porcelain, continuing until the outbreak of World War I​ (The Old Stuff)​​ (Collectors Weekly)​.

International Expansion and Marks
Bawo & Dotter's activities were not limited to France. The company conducted significant operations in Austria and Czechoslovakia as well. The main location for Austrian production was Fischern (now part of Pieszczany, Czech Republic), which at the time was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This international presence explains the "Austria" inscription and the various marks used to identify Bawo & Dotter porcelain​ (The Old Stuff)​.

Austrian Marks and Symbols
One of the characteristic marks of Austrian Bawo & Dotter porcelain was the eagle, fish, and star motif. This symbol reflected the national emblems of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The eagle represented strength and power, while the fish and star were decorative elements that provided unique identification. These marks were often found on the bottom of porcelain items and helped identify the place and period of production​ (The Old Stuff)​.

William Guerin and J.P. Pouyat Merger
After World War I, in 1920, Bawo & Dotter acquired the French porcelain factories William Guerin and J.P. Pouyat, and the company was renamed Guérin-Pouyat-Elite Ltd. This merger allowed the company to expand its production capacity and strengthen its market position. The new company operated until 1932, when it closed due to the economic crisis and increased competition​ (Collectors Weekly)​​ (The Old Stuff)​.

Collectors and Resources
Interest in Bawo & Dotter porcelain remains high among collectors today. Numerous online resources and communities are dedicated to identifying porcelain marks and researching their history. These include Porcelain Marks & More, Collectors Weekly, and The Old Stuff. These sites offer detailed information and images of various Bawo & Dotter marks and their history.

Summary
Bawo & Dotter was a significant porcelain manufacturing company that operated not only in France but also in Austria and Czechoslovakia. During Austrian production, they used the eagle, fish, and star mark, reflecting the symbols of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The company's history and marks play an important role in the history of porcelain manufacturing and continue to generate significant interest among collectors today.