SMF Schramberg Ceramics Marks

Producers of stunning majolica pieces to Bauhaus, Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern items, this south Germany pottery excelled in all.

SMF Schramberg History

SMF Schramberg was one of Germany’s most significant ceramic manufacturers, with a rich history spanning nearly 170 years. Founded in 1820 by Isidor Faist as “Faist’sche Steingutfabrik,” it was the first stoneware factory in the Württemberg region.
In 1829, Baron Ferdinand von Uechtritz joined as partner, enabling expansion with a new factory behind the castle. The business was sold to Villeroy & Boch in 1883. The turning point came in 1912 when Jewish brothers Moritz and Leopold Meyer purchased the factory, introducing the SMF (Schramberger Majolikafabrik) mark.
The company gained fame for its colourful hand-painted ceramics and collaborations with renowned designers, particularly Hungarian artist Eva Zeisel in the 1930s, whose work brought Bauhaus influences and Art Deco styling. After World War II, Peter Meyer (Moritz’s son) reclaimed the business in 1949.
Despite its artistic significance, SMF Schramberg struggled against low-cost imports and ceased production in 1989.

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Schramberg Designers:

Eva Zeisel (1906 – 2011): Eva Zeisel (born Eva Stricker) stands as the most renowned designer associated with SMF Schramberg. Though she worked at the factory for only about 18 months between 1928 and 1930, she produced approximately 200 designs that revolutionized the company’s aesthetic direction with Bauhaus influences.
Some of her designs: Fiuma, Gobelin
Elfie Stadler (1930 – 1968 ): Elfriede “Elfi” Stadler stands as one of the most influential ceramic designers of the post-war era in Germany, despite her relatively short career. Her work at Schramberger Majolika-Fabrik (SMF) during a crucial decade of mid-century design has left a lasting impact on German ceramics history and continues to captivate collectors today.
Some of her designs: Lido, Mexico, Capri, Hawaii, Liane, Banana Plate, Florida

SMF Schramberg Marks

1883 to around 1900 | On Majolica

Imprinted mark found on Majolica. In 1883, Villeroy & Boch bought the “Steingut- und Majolikafabrik Uechtritz & Faist” in Schramberg and continued their production of Art Nouveau Majolica items. Early versions of this mark include the fir tree typical for Schramberg.

1891 – 1912

Around 1900 to 1912 | On Majolica

Later versions of this mark have the fir tree replaced with an ampersand.

1891 – 1912

1912 – 1918

SMF above a shield that contains the Schramberg fir, going back to earlier marks used before Villeroy & Boch bought the company.

1912 – 1918

1918 – 1989

Different version of the mark now using the “SMF” (“Schramberg Majolika Fabrik”) in a shield. Pieces featuring these marks are easiest dated by their design name, see above for designers working for Schramberg.

1918 – 1989