Antique China

Antique China

Antique Plates: Its Value and Ways to Preserve It

Copyright (c) 2010 Christine McVeigh

Would you use an antique plate every day and night? For most people plates are just another kitchen utensil used during mealtime. But for others plates are more than utensils particularly if they are antique bone china passed down from generation to generation. Your great grandmother handed it to your grandmother. Your grandmother passed it down to your mother. And now, the plates are under your care. The length of time the plates stayed in your family could establish them as antique plates. Are you using valuable antique bone china every night and don't know it?

Well, it is time for you to take your antique plates and dishes out of the cabinet and discover how much that antique bone china is worth - in bucks and historical value. But most of all, it is time to learn how to lengthen their shelf life, so you can hand them down to the next generation looking great and in great working order.

Putting value on Plate

-Play inspector. Imperfections found on antique bone china created by the manufactures should not disturb you. What is important is if our antique plates have cracks, stains and discoloration due to incorrect use. Check the designs. Take note if they are stamped, hand-painted or a combination of both. Stamped designs were popular after the 1900s.

-Look for the MARK. The makers of antique bone china always leave a logo or mark on almost every piece of the plates they manufacture. It may include the series where the plate is included or even the date when the plate was created. If there are marks in your antique plates - what do they mean and what does that tell you?

-Check out sources. Search online stores that can provide you with necessary information about the company manufacturing the product. See the logo if the manufacturer's name cannot be found. There are some online sites that can give you manufacturer's logo. You may compare those markings with the one found on your plate.

-Ready for appraising. Now you have the basic information about antique bone china. It is time to visit a couple of appraisers to judge the condition and quality of your plate. Increasing Shelf life

To extend the life of you antique plates so you can display them or hand them down to your future offspring, here are some ways to do just that.

Place them inside a secure vault or cabinet so that no one can touch them. Personally I think it is pointless except when you want to see your antique bone china i think you should use them - even just for special occasions.

Whether you use of leave your antique plays on display - wash the plates regularly so the do not get food, dust and stains on them.

Do not place antique utensils in the dishwasher. You run the risk of breaking them or stripping the designs from them.

Antique plate makes a good dinnerware and display, something with value and you can sell if the need arises. For most people antique bone china is the best way to preserve family heritage.

If you're interested in collecting, buying or selling antique plates and antique bone china then you should build your knowledge over different periods, styles, fashions and manufacturers. It is through learning antique plates that you'll know what you like and to collect.

About the Author

If you want to learn more about antique plates, antique teapots and antique bone china visit
http://www.antiqueplateworld.com
more decorating ideas, cleaning tips and even more information on the wonderful antique world. Christine McVeigh is author of blog
http://www.antiqueplateworld.com
for eating, decorating, trading or collecting antique plates, antique dishes, staffordshire, vintage, Victorian, Chinese or English porcelain.

how do you find the resale value of antique china cups and saucers? I have some?

I want to sell on craigs list but have no clue what their value is? Thanks for any help!!!

There are lots of ways to know its reselling value.

You may ask your nearest antique/vintage shop owner.
You may look on selling websites for the similar product and compare prices.
You may ask people who are older than you.
Look at Craiglist for a similar product to have an idea of the pricing.

Use google, its our bestfriend

Antique Porcelain