Hi Laura,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Trimont China marked “Made in Occupied Japan” refers to a line of export porcelain produced in Japan during the Allied occupation period, roughly 1945–1952. This isn’t a long-established historic brand like Noritake or Kutani, but rather one of many trade names used to market Japanese ceramics to Western buyers in the immediate post-World War II era.

After Japan’s defeat in World War II, the country was governed by Allied forces (primarily U.S. administration) from 1945 to about 1952. During part of that time exporters were required to label products as “Made in Occupied Japan” to distinguish them for customs and trade purposes. The marking dates pieces specifically to that period (not before or long after). Once the occupation ended (around April 1952) the label was no longer used.

Trimont China wares were mass-produced in Japanese factories geared toward export rather than high-end artisanal lines. The quality ranges from basic to decent for decorative china — they are not usually considered fine porcelain in the same class as pre-war Noritake, Kutani, or Satsuma.

While the company may have mass-produced their goods, there are far fewer survivors - whether because the quality was inferior or because they were not considered fine enough to keep - and it is harder to find Trimont goods on the secondary (auction) market today.

I've found several sales of individual - or small groups - of Trimont China having sold at auction in the past decade; usually individual pieces bring only very nominal sums: typically between $1 and $3 PER PIECE but because you have such a large group, that will raise the average per-piece price to between $4 and $6 and I've rounded these values so this is a conventional auction estimate.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A vintage 48-piece Trimont China parcel gilt and hand-painted part dinner service for 6
unattributed floral pattern, made in Occupied Japan, 1945-1952, comprising:
6 dinner plates (10")
5 luncheon or dessert plates (7.25")
6 bread plates (6.25")
6 soup bowls (7.5")
6 fruit/dessert bowls (5.5")
6 cups with 6 saucers (5.75")
1 gravy boat with 1 underplate ( boat 7.5", plate 9.5")
1 pair salt/pepper shakers (3" high)
1 serving platter (9x12")
1 serving bowl (11x8"),
1 teapot with cover or lid [typically the lid is not included in the piece count; you were correct not to include it] ( 5.5" high, 9.75" across with spout)
CONDITION: This service appears to be in good condition with minor wear from minimal use, including some edge chips.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$200-300*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia