1 – Look for defining characteristics

All Deutsche Reichsbahn porcelain items, from eggcups to coffee pots, saucers to soup bowls, were manufactured at the Nymphenburg Palace factory in Munich, from brilliant white porcelain, all following a period art deco style with no deviation from the style. So for example you would not have seen a tall straight-sided cup with a fanned out rim, an authentic cup will be short and bellowed with a small round handle for one finger & thumb only.

2 – Another characteristic

All pieces were produced and finished with a beautiful and high luster glaze which accentuated the brilliant white porcelain, if this is not the case with a newly acquired or potential purchase then it most likely is not a genuine piece.

3 – Essential knowledge

There are things to look out for over the glaze and under the glaze. Any trims in the form of red, gold, and in some cases green bordering lines to rims and bases, are applied on top of the glaze, as is the gold eagle and swastika Deutsche Reichsbahn motif, and the hand-painted wagon designation number to the base,although these little designation numbers have also been seen under glaze.The green Nymphenburg Crest, found on the base, is always under the glaze, along with any impressed markings.

4 – Little Things

The small hand-painted number applied to the base of porcelain pieces may not always be present, especially if the base is too small, for example, the occasional eggcup. Sometimes the applier/maker just can not use a paintbrush in such a small area. So just because a piece does not have a carriage number does not mean it is a fake. Always look for other identifiers.