Pair Rare Antique Espresso Cups Saucers AUSTRIAN CHINA Scalloped Footed Demitasse White Red Gold Greek Key Collectible deals Gift for Him or Her

This is a gorgeous pair of increasingly rare and special specimens of small sized cups and saucers that are especially appreciated these days by espresso fans. This pair is unusually well marked for such old pieces with a clear black M.Z. Austria mark and a green Maria Theresia Carlsbad Austria mark. The M.Z. mark was used between the years 1884 - 1909 when Moritz Zdekauer owned this china making company, and I believe the green Carlsbad mark may have been used along with the M.Z. in the 1909-1910 time period during which C.M. Hutschenreuther deals bought the firm from Moritz Zdekauer. In 1945 the company was nationalized and still operates in the Czech Republic under the name Starorolsky Porcelan Moritz Zdekauer in the town Stara Role near Karlovy Vary.

Even in the early days with the M.Z. mark the company exported some its wares for use in fine homes in the Americas. Oh if this pair could tell the story of its hundred plus years of life!

Each cup measures 2 3/4" tall x 2 1/4" wide at the top opening. The cups hold up to 4 oz. of beverage. Each scalloped saucer measures just under 5" wide. The luxurious design of the saucer beautifully coordinates the irregular scallop pattern of the saucer with a similarly irregular scallop pattern on the foot of the cup. And both pieces wear a rich gold border with Greek key overlay, as well as an additional geometric outlining below the borders interrupted by tiny green flowers at regular intervals.

Although the design and the decoration of these pieces are much more detailed and elaborate than almost anything turned out by today's manufacturers, the design is still very much in line with modern tastes that are once again craving gold trim and classic geometric touches.

The condition of this pair is definitely superior to most in its age range with no chips or cracks and relatively minor wear to the gold (only a bit of finger wear to the bottom of the handles, and disappearance of the gold inner pinstripe on one saucer), and a couple of very small stray marks on one saucer.

This is a pair for treating yourself or sharing as a gift for a very special antique loving friend.

The price listed buys both cups and saucers, and SHIPPING is FREE.