Johann Maresch. Siderolith- Majolica - Terracotta - Fabrik, Bohemia
Aussig an der Elbe, Austro - Hungarian Empire. Now Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic.
Hersteller / Manufacturer
Known dates:1841 - 1948.
Johann Maresch, born 1821, became partners with Adolf Baehr around 1841. Baehr and Maresch Siderolith Fabrik was located on the corner of Teplitzerstraße & Johannesstraße, Aussig an der Elbe. Reinhold Hanke worked here as an apprentice modeller between 1853 and 1858. Originally they marked their wares with B & M, but around 1863, they switched to the famous JM markings. They used an "ironstone" clay mixture: a type of porcelain that is more durable, having more strength and weight than fine porcelain. Their production was extensive. Their wares were shipped far and wide. In 1890, Ferdinand his son took over the family business and for nine years kept the factory name the same, but eventually changing it to Ferdinand Maresch. Siderolith, Majolika and Terracotta Fabrik. He however, did not change the distinctive JM markings. During the early 1900's the company prospered under his management, exporting to the rest of Europe and America. The factory was run by Ferdinand until his death on August 2, 1940. The factory kept producing its ceramic wares, but hard times were about to come upon Europe. The factory halted production in 1944 and finally closed in 1948.
Reference: Earthlink
Stein #9736, right hand view 
Right hand view of master stein #9749. Whilst this stein has provision (a hole) at the top of the handle to fit a lid, it is unknown as to whether Maresch had access to a pewter foundry or just left it as an aftermarket option. 
0.5 litre stein #1484, side view, with figural set-on lid. 
Base marks on the 0.5 litre stein #1484, above. 
Johann Maresch #98 R/H view. Fitted with earthenware set-on figural lid (broken, therefore not shown). 
JM #98 base mark on above stein. 
0.5 litre stein #9736, front view"Lustig gelebt und seelig gestorben hat dem Teufel die Rechnung verdorben" A fun life and a blessed death, spoils the devil's bill. 
#9736 basemark on above stein. The symbol after the JM mark would appear to refer to the year of manufacture. 
Master stein #9749 basemark, shown on either side. 
Stein base mark #9716 
0.5 litre stein #9757, side view. A reissue of the tableau, previous used on J.M. #98. 
Base marks on the 0.5 litre stein #9757, above. 
Johann Maresch #98 L/H view. Fitted with earthenware set-on figural lid (broken, therefore not shown). 
Stein #9736, left hand view 
Left hand view of master stein #9749. This stein has two Landsknechte, one on each of the opposingsides, as opposed to the front (opposite the handle) on normal EuropeanGermanic steins. It also has provision (a hole) at the top of the handle to fit a pewter lid. 
Johann Maresch #9? This stein has a pewter lid fitted. It is unknown whether this was done in house, or was an after market addition. 
Basemark on Johann Maresch #9? (shown immediately above) 