Carstens-Tönnieshof Mid-1940s Creamer

     The Carstens brothers, renowned for their craftsmanship, established their first pottery factory in Brandenburg, East Germany, marking a significant milestone in the history of ceramic art. One notable piece from their early production is a charming creamer, identifiable by its mold number, a crucial reference used prior to World War II. This creamer showcases the signature terra-cotta clay that the company utilized during its formative years, reflecting the distinctive aesthetic and quality associated with Carstens pottery. Despite its age, the piece remains in excellent condition, exhibiting no chips, scratches, or stains, a testament to the durability and meticulous care in its creation. However, the creamer does reveal a history of use, as its handle was repaired sometime between the 1960s and 1965, adding a layer of character to the item. Collectors and enthusiasts alike appreciate such pieces not only for their beauty but also for the stories they tell, encapsulating a bygone era of craftsmanship and resilience.

A Little History

Very little is known about the earl years of this company. In 1892, the Carstens brothers (2) established the first pottery factory in Brandenburg East Germany. In 1945 or so, the pottery factory was destroyed in WWII by bombing raids. In 1947, the two brothers re-established a new pottery factory using the name Carstens-Tönnieshof that was located in West Germany. In 1984 the pottery factory closed its door after 85 years of production. On the bottom of this creamer has emboss “479” and under that is the word “Germany”The number on this creamer is the mold number and was used before WWII.Not all of the number combinations are known,in addition, companies sometimes recycled pattern numbers.

GDW-CTMC-1