Small ceramic house

1

This has a Royal Delft Blue Holland stamp on the bottom along with a "0" and "HS" initial. On the back it's stamped KLM.

Vraag

Can you please tell me when this piece was made, and any insight about the piece based on the markings?

Afmetingen
4 cm wide x 4 cm depth x 10 cm height
Collectie
publiekscollectie

Reacties 1

Verdict:

  • Not Delftware

Analysis:

  • Not made in Delft The term Delftware is only used for earthenware actually produced in Delft. Read more
  • More recent production technique After 1850, factories in and outside Holland developed more efficient and cheaper production techniques. This goes beyond the scope of this website. Read more
  • Mark is stamped Marks on antique Delftware are always hand-painted. Stamps were not used until the late 19th century. Read more

Dear Suzette,

This piece is an example of the well-known 'KLM-huisjes' (KLM houses), that were given to passengers on KLM flights (usually first or business class on intercontinental routes). They have been produced by several potteries over the years, though for the longest time they were made by Royal Goedewaagen. However, as far as I know they have not used this mark. Perhaps someone else recognises it. Also, the houses were numbered as far as I know. Could the O be a 6??

KLM started distributing these houses from 1952 onwards. In this time, it was not allowed for airlines to give gifts to their passengers, but KLM filled the houses with alcohol as a workaround, so that they were not 'gifts' but 'vessels in which they served their passengers'. This is the general theory anyway!

I am not an expert, but there is a KLM-house app, which might give you more information? https://www.klm.nl/information/travel-class-extra-options/houses

This piece remains a mystery to me.