Depose and Deponiert: and other French and German marks

In the world of antiques and vintage collectibles, certain marks and terms are commonly encountered, particularly when examining items from French or German origins. One of these marks is "DEP," which can signify either "Déposé" or "Deponiert." This mark is typically seen on German or French items such as bisque dolls, celluloid, porcelain, jewelry, glass, and metal goods. "Déposé" is the French term for "registered," while "Deponiert" is the German equivalent, meaning "registered" or "copyrighted." Therefore, if you come across an item with the "DEP" mark, it is likely of French or German manufacture, even if you are unsure of the specific country or manufacturer.

Additionally, there are other markings related to patents or copyrights that are often found on German antiques. For instance, "Angestrichen mit der Hand" translates to "hand-painted," and it is used to indicate that the item was manually painted. Another German term, "Besteuern Sie Steuer," means "excise tax," which may appear on certain items subject to specific taxes.

In some cases, you may also encounter the mark "DEP/GES," where "GES" is an abbreviation of the German word "Geschutz," meaning "protected against copying." If you see this mark, it indicates that the piece is of German origin. It’s important to note that "Geschutz" refers to protection against duplication and is not a manufacturer name, which is a common misconception.

 Here is a short list of other words related to patents and markings commonly found on German antiques:

• Abteilung: The German word for "department," commonly used in the context of departments within larger companies or factories.

• DRGM: This German patent mark stands for Deutsches Reich Geschmacksmuster, which translates to "German Empire Design Patent." It indicates that the design of the item is officially registered in Germany.

• DRP: Short for Deutsches Reich Patent, this term refers to a "German Empire Patent," signifying that the item has been patented in Germany.

• Fabrikmarke: This word means "factory mark," often used to denote a mark or symbol that represents the manufacturer or factory where the item was produced.

• Frankreich: The German term for France, sometimes seen on antiques or collectibles originating from France.

• Gegr.: An abbreviation for gegründet, which means "established" or "founded." This mark often appears alongside the founding date of a company.

• Gebrüder: The German word for "brothers," commonly used in business names to indicate that the company was founded by brothers.

• Ges. Gesch.: An abbreviation for Gesetzlich Geschützt, meaning "legally protected." This term indicates that the design, model, or brand is patented or copyrighted.

• Ges. MbH: Stands for Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung, which translates to "company or corporation." It is a common legal designation for companies in Germany, similar to the LLC (Limited Liability Company) in English-speaking countries.

• Glashüttenwerk: The German term for "glassworks factory," where glass products are made. It is commonly used to refer to large industrial glass production sites.

• Glassmanufaktur: This term also means "glassworks factory" but is often used to describe a smaller, more artisanal glass production facility, usually producing high-quality glassware or fine crystal.

• Hochfeine: Meaning "fine quality" or "high quality," this term is often found on German antiques to indicate superior craftsmanship or materials.

• Juwelier: The German word for "jeweler," used to describe a person or shop that specializes in the creation, sale, or repair of jewelry.

• Kristall: The German word for "crystal," commonly seen on items made from fine lead crystal, often used in the description of glassware or fine decorative objects.

• Kunststoff: This term translates to "plastic" and refers to synthetic materials used in the production of various items, often seen on more modern antiques or collectibles.

• Kupfer: The German word for "copper," referring to items made from this reddish-brown metal.

• Musterschutz: This term means "copyright," often used to indicate that the design of an item is protected by law from being copied or reproduced.

• Papierstoff: Refers to papier-mâché, a material made from paper pulp or layers of paper, typically used in the creation of decorative objects and antiques.

• Porzellanfabrik: This term means "porcelain factory," often seen on the backs of porcelain dinnerware or other items made from porcelain.

• Schutzmarke: Refers to a "trade mark," indicating that the brand, logo, or design is legally protected.

• Silber: The German word for "silver," often used to describe items made from this precious metal, such as jewelry, tableware, or decorative objects.

• Steingutfabrik: Means "stoneware factory," a term used for factories that produce pottery or ceramic items, especially those made from a particular type of durable clay.

• Tschechoslowake: Refers to Czechoslovakia, the former country, and may be found on items from this region before its split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

• Verboten: The German word for "prohibited," indicating that something is forbidden, often used to describe items or actions that are not allowed.

• Waschbar: Means "washable," often seen on fabrics, materials, or items that can be cleaned or washed without damage.

• Werkstätte: This word translates to "workshop" or "studio," used to describe a place where craftspeople or artists create their work.

• West Germany: A term used from 1948 to 1991 to refer to the Federal Republic of Germany during the period when the country was divided into East and West Germany. It is often useful in dating vintage costume jewelry and other items from this era.

• Zelluloid: The German term for celluloid, an early plastic material used in various collectibles, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

• Zettel: The German word for "label," often seen on items that have tags or labels indicating their manufacturer, origin, or other important details.

• Zinn: Refers to "tin" or "pewter," materials used to create a variety of household and decorative items, including tableware, candlesticks, and figurines.

• Zoll Abteilung: Means "customs department," and may be seen on items that have passed through customs inspection or regulation, often in relation to import/export goods.

 

Here is a short list of other words related to patents and markings commonly found on French antiques:

• Alliage: This word means "alloy" and refers to a mixture of metals, often used in the creation of jewelry or decorative objects.

• Antiquité: The French term for "antique," used to describe items that are old, typically over 100 years in age.

• Argent: The French word for "silver," often seen on objects made from this precious metal.

• Atelier: Translates to "studio," usually referring to the workshop or place where an artist or craftsman creates their work.

• Brevete: This term is commonly found on French items and should not be mistaken for a manufacturer's mark. It simply means "patented," indicating that the item’s design or process has been officially registered.

• Bté. SGDG: An abbreviation for "Breveté Sans Garantie du Gouvernement," which means "Patented without State Guarantee." It indicates that the item is patented, but without official government endorsement of its quality or functionality.

• Cie./Compagnie: Short for "company," this term is commonly found on items indicating the name of the business that manufactured them.

• Cristallerie: Refers to a "glass factory," typically used to describe a place where fine glassware is produced.

• Cuivre: The French word for "copper," used to describe objects made from this reddish-brown metal.

• Cuivre jaune: This term refers to "brass," a yellowish alloy of copper and zinc.

• Décoré à la main: This phrase means "hand decorated," indicating that the item was painted or decorated manually rather than mass-produced.

• Décoré par: Means "decorated by," usually followed by the name of the artist or decorator who worked on the item.

• Département de douanes: Translates to "customs department," and can be found on items subject to import/export regulation.

• Déposé: This word means "registered," indicating that the design or model has been officially patented or protected.

• Drapier: Refers to a "clothier," someone who sells or makes cloth and garments.

• Email: The French term for "enamel" or "paint," often seen on decorative items or jewelry.

• Étain: The French word for "tin," a metal used in various antiques and collectibles.

• Et Fils: This translates to "and Son," often seen in the names of family businesses, indicating the next generation’s involvement.

• États-Unis: Means "United States," sometimes seen on items imported from or exported to America.

• Exciser l'impôt: Refers to "excise tax," a tax applied to certain goods, often marked on items subject to this form of taxation.

• Exportation: This word means "export," and is typically found on items that were made for international sale.

• Fabrique Par: Means "manufactured by," indicating the maker or manufacturer of the item.

• Grand Magasin: Refers to a "department store," a large retail establishment offering various goods.

• Impôt: The general term for "tax," which may be seen on items that are subject to local or national taxation.

• Joaillier: The French word for "jeweler," indicating the person or shop specializing in jewelry.

• Le Celluloïd: This term refers to "celluloid," an early plastic material used in various collectibles and accessories.

• Le Plastique: The French word for "plastic," often seen on more modern items.

• Marque déposée: Translates to "trademark," denoting that the item’s name or design is legally protected.

• Marque de Fabrique: Refers to a "trade mark," a sign or symbol used to identify a particular maker’s goods.

• Millésime: This term means "vintage," typically referring to the year an item was made or produced, particularly in relation to wine or collectibles.

• Métal: Simply the French word for "metal," used to describe the material of which the item is made.

• Modèle Déposé: Means "registered design," indicating that the design has been officially patented or protected by law.

• Or: The French word for "gold," a precious metal often seen in antique jewelry and other valuable objects.

• Orfèvre: Refers to a "silversmith," a craftsman who works with silver, often to create fine jewelry or ornamental objects.

• Peint à la Main: This phrase means "hand painted," often found on items that have been manually painted with intricate designs.

• Porcelaine Fabrique: Translates to "porcelain factory," commonly found on the back of porcelain dinnerware or collectibles.

• Ste.: An abbreviation for "Société," meaning "company" or "society," often used in French business names.

• Tchécoslovaquie: The French term for "Czechoslovakia," which may be seen on items from the former country before its split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

• Vendeur: The French word for "seller," often seen in the context of antique dealers or shops.

• Verrier: Refers to a "glassworker," an artisan who specializes in making glass items.

• Verrerie: The French term for a "glassworks factory," where glass items are produced.