PARAGRAPHS 92-94-POTTERY. CONTINENTAL CHINA AND PORCELAIN. In the production of chinaware the labor element enters into the total cost in larger proportions to the materials than it does in earthenware. In consequence of this fact, the ratio of labor cost to the cost of materials is even greater in the American product than has been shown in the earthenware comparisons. FRANCE-MATERIALS. The French manufacturers are furnished with their body and glazed materials mixed ready for use. In the following table the American body and glazed materials have been valued in the same way, viz, the prepared body and glazed. The overhead charges and expenses are calculated at from 26 to 334 per cent of the total cost of materials and labor. These figures correspond very closely with the English method of arriving at cost. GERMANY. A variety of materials of the same general character are used in Germany, and for comparative purposes I have taken those most closely resembling in kind and quality the materials used in America. For example, German coal can be purchased as low as $2.62 per ton. Coal in Germany ranges from $2.62 to $6.19 per ton. I have taken a grade of coal, or a mixture of coals, which most nearly corresponds with the American coal, valued at $3.69 per ton. LABOR. The pottery industry is scattered over the entire country of Germany, and the wages vary somewhat in different localities. The figures of the Chamber of Commerce, Sonneberg, confirm my figures and show that I am giving high values. This table is as follows: PARAGRAPHS 92-94-POTTERY. In the following table I give the range of wages, but for comparative purposes use the maximum figures: The table following gives the actual piecework prices paid in certain of the German factories. The price given indicates the net prices paid for the completed article. It is the practice in some, if not all, of the German factories to deduct percentage for the use of the machinery, steam, etc. In some cases as much as 15 per cent is charged for this service. |