Porcelain stamps

Seven years after Elector Max III Joseph of Bavaria founded the Electoral Porcelain Manufactory, he arranged for all porcelain produced to be marked with a brand on the underside - an image of the Wittelsbach lozenge shield, the tips of which at that time pointed from the bottom left to the top right. Over the years, Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg's trademark presented itself in a wealth of variations. Today, just as in those days, the signet is pressed by hand into the soft mass with a small stamp made of bisque porcelain. This is a task that only the most experienced artisans can perform. In addition to the diamond signet, they also stamp their name on each object, thus expressing their personal responsibility for the quality of their product.

Despite all the different representations that the sign on the bottom of the objects has undergone over time, it always remains recognizable: the symmetrical shape results from two concave sweeps upwards, the convex retractions on the sides and inward and outward sweeping lines to the top downwards. The field is filled with a diamond relief.

The constant changes in the style/heraldry of the coat of arms are a reflection of the 275-year history of the manufactory. For connoisseurs, the signets offer clues to dating. As with precious Aubusson tapestries or papers with watermarks, Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg's mark has the status of a seal of quality. It vouches for the highest manufacturing quality and is recognized worldwide as Nymphenburg's trademark.

All figures are also marked with a model number, sometimes combined with the size I/II and the number of the former. Tableware pieces are given a three- to four-digit model number as well as a single-digit number for their size.