german handmade bowl marks

[Brian]

Hi forum,
first post, hope this is correct, can anyone helf identify. The mark is a B in an oval, picture makes it look more like an R, but it is a B.
thanks, Brian

[Bahner]

Hello, that is Otto Bortenreuter from Dresden, active ca. 1900 to 1940. Best wishes, Bahner

[Brian]

Bahner,
Thank you very much. I'm not really sure why, but just knowing the name of the maker makes the piece seem finer, now why is that?
Brian

[2209patrick]

Hi Brian.

If I may jump in here.
You have touched on a subject I've always felt was important.
I believe knowing a bit of the history of a piece adds value to it.
Whether the history is about the maker or the people who owned the item in the past.

Not talking financial value here, but something more abstract or intrinsic.
That's why I often spend time identifying silverplated wares with no real dollar value.
To the person who had it handed down from their great grandmother and now knows who made it and where, it's priceless.

Pat.

[byron mac donald]

Hi Pat-

I agree 100%, just the thought of the hands that may have touched an item hundreds of years ago is intriguing. I do family genealogy and if I would be able to find an item that was from my ancestors, it would not matter if it were made of wood, it would become one of the most valuable things I could own. As far as silverplate vs. sterling, I believe the intrinsic value of the item is just as important no matter what it is made of.

Regards- Byron