Vintage Erphila Figural Pottery Teapot Rabbit Raised Paw Made in US Zone Germany
Description: A very nice pottery teapot or tea pot. This figural teapot is in the form of a bunny rabbit sitting on its hind legs with its front legs raised and serving as the spout. The head of the dog serves as the lid for the teapot. The head shows the rabbit with his ears down and snout up. The lid shows great and colorful details of the rabbit's features such as the eyes, ears, and the closed mouth as well as the black whiskers. The rabbit's tail serves as the handle for the pot. Just very cute. The piece is colored in a realistic rabbit brown, gray, and black color. The piece is marked US Zone Germany, making it from the late 1940s or early 1950s, and has the Erphila mark. As such the piece was made in Germany and imported into the US by Eberling & Reuss of Philadelphia. It is also stamped on the bottom with the number 6701B. Please carefully review the photos as they are part and parcel of our description.
Additional information: Erphila is a mark found on Czechoslovakian, German, and other pottery and porcelain made after 1920. The mark was used on items imported by Ebeling & Reuss, Philadelphia, a giftware firm that is still operating in Pennsylvania. The mark is a combination of the letters E and R (Eberling & Reuss) and the first letters of the city, Phila(delphia). Many whimsical figural pitchers and creamers, figurines, platters, and other giftware carry this mark.
Date: Uncertain but most likely late 1940s or early 1950s.
Origin: Purchased at an estate auction in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Size: The pot measures 4 7/8" by 3 5/8" at the base, is ~7 3/4" high, and is ~8" at its widest point including the handle and spout. This is a substantial piece weighing about one pound 4 ounces.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Stamped on the base the number "6701 B" and then the ERPHILA green mark with the word "MADE IN U.S, ZONE GERMANY" above it, all under glaze.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: Truly a nice, cute and very decorative piece. A great piece in excellent condition, which would make a worthy addition to your collection.
Condition: Excellent condition with no chips, cracks, repairs, hairlines, or stains. The piece has general crazing of the glaze. The pot appears to have never been used but rather cherished by its previous owner. The foot of the pot has some soiling which can be seen in the photos. There is also what we believe is a minor fault in the coloring of the piece which we show in the last photo. This is original to the making and is under glaze. It is mentioned here for completeness and it does not affect the look or quality of the piece. The piece would probably benefit from a good cleaning but we leave that to the discretion of the new owner. Please see photos for additional condition information and to appreciate its beauty as well as its quality.
