Is This Really Capodimonte? Sorting Fact from Faux
A reader’s estate sale score has the right look, but does the mark match the legacy? Dr. Cavo decodes a crowned “N” with a French twist.
A $10 estate sale find turns into a porcelain puzzle. Is this pitcher a royal treasure—or just wearing a crown it didn’t earn?
Question: I’m sending photos of this pitcher in hopes you can tell me something about it. I purchased this at an estate sale of “a lady of means” some time ago. People were debating whether it was Capodimonte or not. As a result, no one would buy it. I bought it on the last day for somewhere between $5 and $15. Is it just a pretty thing? Or does it have real value? I’ve seen one like it online, but I suppose an item can be copied repeatedly. It’s about 9” tall and is flawless.
Thank you in advance for any insight you can provide. I have always enjoyed your column so very much!
Answer:
The mark shown in the image—a crowned "N" above the word "FRANCE"—is not an authentic Capodimonte porcelain mark. While the crowned "N" is famously associated with Capodimonte pieces from the Royal Factory in Naples, Italy, the inclusion of "FRANCE" indicates that your pitcher is either a later reproduction or was produced by a different manufacturer, most likely in France, and might sell in the $30.00 to $40.00 range.
Genuine Capodimonte porcelain from Naples typically features a crowned "N" mark, which is usually hand-painted or incised in blue or gold underglaze. This mark signifies the piece's origin and is a key indicator of authenticity. However, this is not the only true Capodimonte mark. The Capodimonte mark evolved from the fleur-de-lis to the crowned “N;” pieces can be dated by the mark. Failing to mention this progression can lead to confusion about authenticity and age.
Our guest appraiser is Dr. Anthony Cavo, a certified appraiser of art and antiques and a contributing editor to Kovels Antique Trader. Cavo is also the author of Love Immortal: Antique Photographs and Stories of Dogs and Their People.
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Dr. Anthony J. Cavo is an honors graduate of the Asheford Institute of Antiques and a graduate of Reisch College of Auctioneering. He has extensive experience in the field of buying and selling antiques and collectibles. Cavo is also the author of Love Immortal: Antique Photographs and Stories of Dogs and Their People.
