VEB Haldensleben

History

VEB Haldensleben, located in Haldensleben, East Germany, was a prominent ceramics manufacturer during the German Democratic Republic (GDR) era. Known for its utilitarian yet elegant designs, the company was part of the state-owned “Volkseigener Betrieb” (VEB) system, where industries were nationalised under government control.
The origins of VEB Haldensleben trace back to the late 19th century, when the region developed a strong reputation for stoneware and ceramic production. After World War II, the factory was restructured under GDR policies and became part of the state’s planned economy. The company focused on producing functional tableware, decorative ceramics, and sanitary products, catering to both domestic needs and export demands within the Eastern Bloc.

Forms:
3045 | 3090 | 3092

Decors:
Grey&Red Circle | Dots

VEB Haldensleben Marks

VEB Haldensleben used both white and brown clays, depending on availability. The raised marks are often difficult to make out, as the contours have been glazed over. Usually, form number are four-digit long and contain one letter. Often, though not always, the bottoms of vases were marked with the company’s logo—a shallow dish superimposed over the letter ‘H’ inside a circle. Also, some vases are marked with the phrase “Made in GDR”.

VEB 3092C

VEB Haldersleben Forms

Form 3045/A

VEB Haldensleben 3045/A

Form 3090

VEB Haldensleben 3090

Form 3092/C

VEB Haldensleben 3092C

VEB Haldensleben Decors

“Grey&Red Circles”

As was often the case with state-owned ceramic companies, most decors do not have a specific name. One decor that is often found though is this very textural, fat lava decor dark grey over light grey glaze with red accents:

VEB Haldensleben 3092C

VEB Haldensleben

Dots

One of the few patterns with a commonly agreed on name:

VEB Haldensleben 3090