How to Identify a Johann Gottlieb Ehder Frog or Dolphin
By Porcelain Manufactory MEISSEN | Crafts & Quality since 1710 | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: How-to Guides
Learn to recognize a genuine Johann Gottlieb Ehder frog or dolphin figurine by examining marks, proportions, and base details. Practical steps for collectors.
Quick answer
Check the blue crossed-swords mark, measure the height (6.5 cm for the frog, 8.5 cm for the dolphin), and inspect the base for a model number or incised signature.
Why marks alone are not enough
The Meissen crossed-swords mark has been used for centuries with small variations. A genuine Johann Gottlieb Ehder frog or dolphin will carry this mark, but so do many other Meissen pieces. You need additional clues to confirm the specific model.
Size and proportions are your next best indicators. The frog measures exactly 6.5 cm; the dolphin stands 8.5 cm tall. If the height differs by more than a few millimeters, the piece is either a different model or a later reproduction.
What to do if the mark is missing or worn
Sometimes the blue mark is faint or partially rubbed off. In that case, look for an incised number or impressed mark on the underside of the base. Many Ehder pieces have a three- or four-digit model number that corresponds to factory records.
If you find no number at all, compare the piece to known examples in reference books or museum archives. The frog's squat posture and the dolphin's curved tail are distinctive to Ehder's modeling style.
Step-by-step identification process
- Examine the blue crossed-swords mark: Look for the underglaze blue mark on the base. Genuine Meissen marks have a slightly blurred edge because they are hand-painted. A mark that looks too crisp or printed may be a fake. If the mark is missing or clearly modern, the piece is unlikely to be an original Ehder.
- Measure the height precisely: Use a ruler or caliper to measure from the bottom of the base to the highest point. The frog should be 6.5 cm; the dolphin 8.5 cm. A difference of more than 2 mm suggests a different model. Do not rely on eye alone—a 5 mm difference is easy to miss but can mean a different figurine.
- Check the base for incised numbers: Turn the figurine over and look for impressed or incised numbers on the unglazed bottom. Common Ehder numbers include three digits. If you find a number, cross-reference it with a Meissen model database. A missing number does not automatically mean the piece is fake, but it makes identification harder.
- Assess the quality of painting and glaze: Original Ehder pieces have fine hand-painting with subtle color gradients. The glaze should be smooth and even, with no bubbles or drips. Check the frog's eyes and the dolphin's fins for detail. Poor painting or glaze flaws are strong signs of a later reproduction or a damaged piece.
Product details
- Frosch, Bunt staffiert, 6,5 cm: 6.5 cm height This exact measurement helps you distinguish the genuine Ehder frog from other small Meissen frog models that may be taller or shorter.
Frosch, Bunt staffiert, 6,5 cm - Delphin, H 8,5 cm: H 8,5 cm The dolphin's height of 8.5 cm is a key identifier; any significant deviation suggests a different model or a later copy.
Delphin, H 8,5 cm
