I don't like this piggy bank. But 'like it or not' has never been the criterion for my collection. It makes me happy when I see a piggy bank with a brand and I can find out the history. It is set in Brüx (or Most) in Northern Bohemia or Sudetenland, a border region of Czechoslovakia, at the time inhabited by a large German-speaking minority (Sudeten Germans). It was annexed by Nazi Germany in 1938.

The porcelain factory in Brüx was founded in 1896 by Carl Spitz: CARL SPITZ, PORZELLAN UND STEINZEUGFABRIK BRÜX. Spitz ceramics have a marking in the shape of a sword with a crown and the initials CSB (Carl Spitz, Brüx). The Brüx porcelain factory produced general porcelain and gift and souvenir items. Carl Spitz, as a well-known local Jewish businessman, 'gave up' the porcelain factory in 1938 (the year of the annexation by Germany) and it was 'taken over' (actually not the right word, but never mind...) by Adolf Fischer who renamed the factory PORZELLAN UND STEINGUTFABRIK DR. ADOLF FISCHER u CO, BRÜX.

After the Second World War, the Brüx (Most) porcelain factory was nationalized and incorporated into the Nationalized Enterprises (Národní Podnik; abbreviated as N.P.) Teplice-Šanov N.P. and later Duchcov Keramik N.P. From 1958 it belonged to Karlovy Vary Porselein N.P. Most of this production focused mainly on teapots for export to the Soviet Union, Iran and Iraq.

No brand. That is why this piggy bank is most likely Talavera de la Reina' ceramics. The Mexican Talavera has always been branded and stamped, that is at least since 1995.

This piggy bank comes from Sweden via Tradera. But that's not where it originally came from. The hand-painted floral motifs (resembling bell flowers) and the pastel-colored palette are characteristic of Japanese export ceramics from that period

After World War II, Japan produced many affordable household porcelain and ceramics for export to Europe and America. These items were often stamped "IMPORT", "MADE IN JAPAN" or just "JAPAN". The period of this piggy bank is most likely the 1950s, given the combination of style, technology and markings.

I have many Japanese piggy banks that come from Sweden via Tradera. What did Sweden have with Japan? Trade between Sweden and Japan continued during the war period (1940-1945), with diplomats stationed in both capitals and ongoing negotiations. Japan exported various products, including ceramics and household items. Japan was in urgent need of foreign exchange income during and after the war. Producing export ceramics was one of those incomes. Because Sweden remained neutral, it could trade with both the Axis powers and later the Allies, making it an attractive market. "Axis powers" was the name for the alliance of countries, mainly Nazi Germany, Italy and Japan, that occupied countries “unsolicited” during World War II and later fought against the Allies

A very small piggy bank (9 cm) with an interesting ceramic transfer.
To start with: The base, the biscuit piggy bank, is clearly from Wagner & Apel, Lippelsdorf, Thuringia. These were sold worldwide, after which small workshops provided them with relevant transfers (and glazes) to sell as souvenirs. This also applies to this souvenir from RATTVIK. Rättvik is a small tourist town on Lake Siljan in the Dalarna landscape in Sweden. Dalarna is known for its old traditions where, among other things, the Dala horse comes from. A wooden horse, which is a symbol of the Dalarna landscape in Sweden, and nowadays of the whole of Sweden.
The transfer: we see a traditional church boat (kyrkbåt) on the water, with the coastline and possibly the Rättviks kyrka (Rättvik Church) in the background. Rowing the large church boat is traditional because it was traditionally the way locals went to church. Previously, many parishioners lived scattered around the large Lake Siljan and did not have easy land access to Rättvik Church. The lakes and waterways were the most efficient routes.

If you know all this, it is an extra nice souvenir. Period ± 1930.

Nittsjö started as a brick factory in 1843. A few years later, people also started making utensils from terracotta. The ceramics factory that is there today was founded in 1917. Utensils such as bowls, mugs and dishes are made here. In addition, decorative ceramics are made, such as figurines and nisser (Christmas gnomes). You can reach Nittsjö Keramik by driving from Mora to Rättvik and taking the 'Nittsjö Keramik' exit before Rättvik.

What else can be said about this piggy bank?  It has a brand and mold number 895. Unfortunately, no catalog can be found here that contains any further information. I don't know anything useful to say about the period.

A small piggy bank (12 cm) on a base. The nicest and most intriguing variant I know. This piggy bank is clearly antique and dates from the period 1880-1920. It comes from a seller from Lille. That actually says nothing about the origin, but this is French (I know that from experience) and it could easily have come from Northern France. The pottery industry in northern France and northern Picardy (including the regions around Lille, Arras and Valenciennes), enjoyed a boom before 1914, characterized by faience and stoneware production (such as 'grès de Valenciennes'), but this industry was severely affected and in many cases destroyed by the Western Front, which passed through these regions, causing many factories and production sites to become the scene of intense trench warfare and heavy bombing between 1914-1918. It is therefore a miracle that this piece has been preserved. It has no brand. That means I'll never know who produced it. Nevertheless, an asset to my collection.

According to the seller, the piggy bank once belonged to their great-grandmother, a woman from Springe, a small town nestled between the rolling hills of Lower Saxony. In 1910, she dared to make the great crossing to America, facing the unknown, with a suitcase full of dreams and homesickness. Probably, I imagine, the piggy bank was safely packed among the clothes and personal belongings. Maybe she wrapped it in a cloth against the jolts of the journey, maybe her fingers held the piggy bank one last time before enclosing it with the rest of her past.

The seller wasn't sure: did the pig really come from Germany, or did her great-grandmother acquire it later, in her new homeland? But the answer, for me, lay in the shape, the glaze, and especially those exuberant German letters. This piggy bank breathes the atmosphere of the Heimat, of German tradition and folklore. "Glücks Schwein" is not just an inscription, it is a wish, a talisman meant to bring luck, especially on a journey whose outcome was unknown.

I imagine how the pig was packed into a cramped suitcase. From Springe by train to Bremerhaven, or Hamburg, and from there on a ship, along with many others who left their lives behind. The rocking of the sea, the shuffling on the deck, the noise of languages and expectations. And amidst all that human noise lay the Glücks Schwein, a piece of Germany in a new world.

What I know for sure: this piggy bank is more than a utility item. It is a symbol of hope, perseverance, and a touch of superstition. A lucky pig for those who did not easily let go of the old country but took it with them, in clay and glaze, to a new beginning. Often, the most beautiful thing about collecting is not the object itself, but the story hidden within it. And that story lives on, from Springe to my collection, more than a century and an ocean further.

It now appears (to me!) that Henriot (and/or HB) also worked with subcontractors. PARRY & VIEILLE was one of the companies involved in the production of Quimper faience. The collaboration with Henriot/HB took place around the 1920s to 1950s. This was a period when many pottery factories in Quimper collaborated or merged to optimize production and distribution. At P&V, the piggy banks were simply provided with the Henriot or HB mark. But here it seems (note: my theory!) that they also had their own line based on the mold 393. They then painted it according to their own insight. Because these did not meet Henriot / HB's standard, they became their own brand. This seems to me to be a logical explanation for the PV brand under a Henriot/HB piggy bank. Period: 1920-1950.

First that “Quimper”, without company name. Quimper is probably synonymous with Henriot in America. I can't explain it otherwise. The mould number is D 393, just like all similar piggy banks in my collection. So there is no doubt that they are from HB, Henriot or HB Henriot. Which period? And why not a traditional decor?

Period: 1920-1930. The collaboration between Tiffany and Henriot took place in the 1920s/1930s. The piggy bank should therefore be from that period. The period 1920-1930 is also consistent with the trade legislation clause in America at the time. In 1921, the Merchandise Marks Act was amended to include the words 'made in the country of origin in the English language'. And it also had to be clear that these were not cheap products that competed with original American products. That's why it says very extensively under the piggy bank: “Hand painted for Tiffany & Co by Quimper France”. Tiffany was the American link and Made in France was immediately clear. In 2024 one could have sufficed with “Tiffany-Quimper (or Henriot) France”.

Why not a traditional decor? That's really a mystery to me. It may not have suited Tiffany's style, while Americans (speaking as a whole) are quite into traditional decors from Europe. And perhaps it is completely coincidental with this piggy bank, because on the internet there are many items such as Tiffany Quimper or Tiffany Henriot with traditional decors.

Tiffany & Co? The current Tiffany & Co. is the same company that became famous for the beautiful Tiffany lamps. Founded in 1837 by Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young. And known for its luxurious jewellery and silverware, but in the late 19th and early 20th centuries it also became famous for its beautiful (and now enormously valuable) stained glass lamps, designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Tiffany & Co. nowadays it is mainly known for its jewellery and other exclusive products. Did they also sell piggy banks? Yes, in the past from Henriot as will be clear, but also now - albeit very different and expensive (Made in Italy).

Tiffany & Co was an important client for Henriot (and HB) in the 1920s/1930s. Henriot Quimper supplied specially designed pieces to Tiffany & Co, who then sold them in their stores in the United States. This collaboration helped Henriot Quimper to make their faience known worldwide and export it to a wider audience. HB-Henriot's current point of sale is 'Merchant of Prato' in New York (https://quimperfrenchpottery.com/)

Question: Do you only see special import Quimper piggy banks on eBay.com? No, not all. And there are also those that were probably (again a theory from GD) taken home (somewhere in the USA) by American tourists (including many former soldiers and their families) who had been to Quimper (in the past and recent) and are now offered at eBay by their heirs (?).

The fact that this piggy bank is on an American site (eBay.com) does that by definition imply that it is an officially imported Quimper (HB) piggy bank? Because we have never seen it (at least I haven't!) in Europe, it may indicate that it is a piggy bank for the American market that appeals to the prevailing taste there. On the other hand, this piggy bank has no origin features such as 'France' or 'Made in France' and that should actually be the case. Unless US Customs has agreed to 'HB Quimper'. Still a question. Nice piggy bank nevertheless.

What is also possible is that an American (m/f) bought the piggy bank in Quimper made by HB before 1968, or had it decorated to his/her wishes based on a standard piggy bank 393 that was in stock as a bisquit (one baked ceramic piggy bank). Once again it remains a question.

In addition, there are also countries that use their own dollar and use the dollar symbol ($), such as: Australia (A$), Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Canada ($, C$, CAN$) Cayman Islands, Fiji, Liberia (own dollar and the US dollar), Namibia (N$), Singapore (S$), Suriname (SRD).

The only thing I know for sure about this beautiful large piggy bank is that I bought it on October 12, 2024 on French eBay. It cost €15 plus €14 postage. Furthermore, it is 27 cm long. And dated by me to approximately 1940-1950. On what basis? No idea, to be honest. Don't tell anyone else, it will tarnish my image as a piggy bank expert...

The dollar sign is the only indication, here with 2 vertical stripes. More often with 1 vertical stripe. Do those 2 stripes give an indication? I asked CoPilot (AI of Microsoft Edge) and got the following response: "While there is no official difference in meaning between the one- and two-stroke dollar signs, usage may vary depending on country or context. In some cases the two-stripe sign is associated with the US dollar, while other countries prefer one stripe. The use of one or two vertical stripes is also often a matter of typographical style and design choice." But even though this information is like a straw, it is still a cautious conclusion: Could this piggy bank be American after all? For the time being I say: YES.

This cove is much more interesting than the bridge in Ludham and heritage too. Lulworth Cove is not a place but one of the most beautiful locations on the English south coast. It is a small bay on the ancient Jurassic Coast in the county of Dorset. This coast is part of the natural world heritage. At the bay you will find a visitor center (also Heritage Center) and a few dining options. It is a famous hiking area and offers beautiful views. Another famous natural location called Durdle Door is also a 1.5 kilometer walk away. This is a natural bridge, remnant of an eroded cliff. It also has a small beach.

A mile north of the bay is the village of West Lulworth where you can see the pretty thatched cottages typical of the region. There is also Lulworth Castle, a beautiful 17th century country house with park. There are other historic attractions in the region including the Bovington Tank Museum and the abandoned village of Tyneham. The inhabitants had to leave the village because the area was claimed by the government in 1943. It was decided that this training ground should be used by the soldiers who had to prepare for the fighting during the Second World War.

   

Ludham Bridge is the name of the bridge that spans the River Ant, just a short distance from its junction with the River Bure. A small hamlet has settled around the bridge, an extension of the village of Ludham which, curiously enough, is actually on the banks of the River Thurne. That bridge is quite a story, there were 3 in the same place. The first bridge of 1912 was made of brick and wood. The second bridge was completed in 1915, after the old bridge was severely damaged by a flood. It had a straight span of steel with wooden block floors and with brick parapets and a roadway of 5.5 meters. This bridge existed until 1959. In that year it was decided to straighten the bridge and the roadway. The new bridge occupied the same place as the old one and had a larger and much more functional square design. The bridge was built of concrete and the existing piles were reused with the addition of some more concrete. The brick sides were demolished and replaced with concrete sides to complete the bridge as it is today. Ludham Bridge is a very busy area as the bridge is a bottleneck for water traffic in both directions. With a marina and a loading and unloading area that served in the past. It takes a 20 to 30 minute walk from the bridge to the village of Ludham which is a typical 'old world' village complete with old houses and thatched roofs.

   

1261: NETHERLANDS. Kees van Moorsel. Variation on the well-known block motif. Length 14.5 cm. This addition to my Van Moorsel mini collection was the reason to give the scented pig (999 scent) a real place in the collection.

“Souvenir of Snowdon”, the highest mountain in Wales and with its 1085 meters the highest mountain of Great Britain outside the Scottish Highlands. Snowdon is formed from many different types of stone, in Llanberis slate, 400 million years ago this was mud and silt (loam). Then gritstone, clay and siltstone with stones of volcanic ash on top. On top of this a bed of slate with the shells of sea animals. This shows that the top of the mountain was once under water. The Snowdon is known for its “narrow gauge rack and pinion mountain’ railway  that has been bringing tourists to the top every day since 1896. Single carriage trains are pushed up the mountain by either steam locomotives or diesel locomotives.

You learn that from one souvenir piggy bank. If you have an eye for it at least!

 

If you know one... please let me know.

The fourth method is folding. This method is obsolete because of the labour intensity. The mould production by pouring slip is easier and more convenient for mass production. How do they do it, the folding? Take a bonk of clay and roll it out into a flat cake of ½ cm thick (like dough!). Cut  a large circle and fold this together. Squeeze the edges firmly. You can already recognize the traditional fish shape with upright back. Bit modelling at the front for the head and closing the back with the tail. Let it dry for a while, then put ears on it, legs underneath (three for Frisian and 4 for Gouda) and cut the money slot in it. There are descriptions (from 1948, among others) of manufacturers of plates that have made piggy banks this way from the unsuccessful forms. These piggy banks are heavier than 'normal' mould piggy’s.

Sweden imported a lot in the years before 1950. Which gave a possible tax benefit if the product was marked (back stamped) as import. Assuming this I can imagine what happened with piggy banks that got (at the end) the back stamp IMPORT. These piggy banks came into Sweden as a prefabricated, not painted, not glazed product. In earthenware terms: as biscuit. In a Swedish pottery they were painted, stamped import, glazed and baked.

This story, I assume that it’s the real story, should be the same in other countries like the United Kingdom. In my collection I have not only UK piggy’s with the back stamp Foreign (imported as ready for sale product, was in the early 20th century mandatory in the USA and UK) and Import.

 

Small piggy bank (11,5 cm, number 1010 in my collection) as a promo for the German National-Bank. Most likely form 1984. There is a peculiar text on the belly which says: “The moment this piggy bank is full with coins you can return it to one of the agency’s of the National-Bank. There you receive a piggy bank with a real lock.”

My first thought was that the oldest pig piggy bank could be located in China. The circumstances for finding a pig piggy bank in the ages before our time (BC) where okay: the pig was highly regarded as pig as such and as a holy sacrifice animal. Literature shows that in the early ages there were indeed piggy banks made of clay, but not in the shape of a pig. In the Tang Dynasty there were official offering (sacrifice) shrines (blocks) but also individual piggy banks for children. So no oldest piggy bank in the shape of a pig in China. They showed up there centuries later. But if someone can enlighten me, or just say ‘you’re wrong”? Feel free to do so.

I could not locate the oldest pig piggy bank before our Christian era, not even in China. Honestly: a disappointment. People saved money in other storage places. The date people started to use individual piggy banks is unknown. The ancient Greek used offering blocks with an opening to put small coins in. Even in Pompeï (ancient Italy). It is plausible that the production of individual piggy banks started in the late Middle Ages of our Western Society. It started with earthenware jars and later on potters formed piggy banks in different animal shapes. The pig piggy bank was introduced around 1600 and in the 18th century it was a common household article.

Nevertheless: The pig piggybank is older than our Western examples. For real pigs we have to travel to East Java, to Trowulan in Indonesia. Trowulan is surrounded by an archaeological site of the capital city of the Majapahit Empire from the 14th to the 15th century. Excavations show found evidence of dense population during the 14th to 15th centuries. Terracotta figurines, amongst them piggy banks, were produced in large quantities. The Majapahit piggy banks (not for children!) were used to put coins in as offering to the gods. These very thin bronze Chinese coins were found during excavations in large numbers.

So far so good. But was the oldest pig piggy bank only formed in the 14th century? The answer is NO. The genuine oldest pig piggy bank (so far) was found in Billeben (Thüringen, Germany).Researchers conclude that this pig piggy bank from the Middle Ages was produced between the 11th and the 15the century. Nowadays it is stored in the depot of the Museum für Ur- und Frühgeschichte Thüringens in Weimar (Germany).

The answer to my ‘quest’:  The oldest known pig piggy bank is a German one from ± 1300. Experts doubt this, but there is as far as I know no evidence that this is untrue. The oldest pig piggy bank in my collection dates ± 1750. But I am not sure if that is true, identifying pig piggy banks, and certainly older ones, is not an exact science. To be sure of the age one could use the C14 dating method, but that is too expensive for common piggy banks.

 

The question (for me) is now: Which pig piggy bank is the older one? My guess is that the one with ‘Foreign’ on it (before 1914 is the oldest and that my new one could be dated between the Great and the Second World war. The porcelain one is more beautiful…..