MEISSENIn 1708, Johann Frederick Bottger accidentally discovered how to make hard paste porcelain. Of course, this was already known to Chinese for many centuries. In 1710, the Royal Saxon Porcelain Works was established in Meissen, Saxony (Germany), under the supervision of J. F. Bottger. The company, later know as Meissen Porcelain Works, did everything possible to keep their manufacturing process a secret, however, other factories soon started copying the Meissen process. In 1731, in order to distinguish their products, Meissen began using their well known "Crossed Swords" mark. These days, their works are some of the most sought after and most expensive ceramics antiques out there. Also called "Dresden Ware," since their earliest manufacturing was done in nearby Dresden, Meissen is most well known for their famous porcelain figurines. They have also produced tea sets, plates, vases and other similar items. The most popular Meissen items can usually fetch several thousand dollars, although some rare pieces have been known to go for five figures. Meissen "Crossed Swords" mark is shown bellow. It has gone a number of small changes over the years, but the basic unmistakable design has essentialy stayed the same Meissen Mark
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