While it usually takes an expert to assess the value of antique tableware, you can often determine the value of an antique by examining its markings and features. The tableware in question can be plates, salad plates, cake plates, various cups, sauce bowls, and others. When you inherit antique tableware from your family, bought the item at an antique store, or got it from a thrift center, try acting like a detective to find out if it's a really high-value antique or just an old piece of junk. is outdated.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Recognizing Antiques
Step 1. Examine the tableware for unique characteristics of antiques
Antiques are of a different quality than ordinary tableware. The two main factors to look for are the shape/design and the pattern. These factors will change based on the period of production.
- Prior to the 1950s, most earring plates were circular, except for those designed in the 1920s art deco style.
- In general, antique plates have rimmed or slightly curved edges. The edge of a framed antique plate has a second circle on the inside of the plate, whereas a curved plate has only one circle.
Step 2. Compare the pattern on your antique plate with examples on the internet
This is especially useful when you don't know who the plate maker is because plate patterns are usually unique to each manufacturer. You have to make sure that the distinctive features of the plate, such as patterns in the corners or artistic embellishments, are neat and matched.
Two examples of prominent producers are Haviland with its floral patterns and Wedgewood, which makes plates with self-portraits or scenes from classical Greek legends
Step 3. Pay attention to the consistency and check the quality of your cutlery set
Complete sets of cutlery are often more valuable than individual items. However, cutlery with a similar pattern is often mistaken for part of a set. Most antique tableware sets appear consistent with the same curves, angles, shapes, and patterns.
- When checking the consistency of a product, you have a good chance of checking its quality. The ideal set will look ideal, either in terms of style or color.
- The quality of coatings and materials also indicates the quality of the product in general. The protective layer of the plate must not be bubbly or cracked and must also be flat so that it does not wobble when placed on the table.
Step 4. Pay attention to the stamp on the back or the manufacturer's stamp
This is the easiest way to identify the maker of your cutlery even if the stamp is often faded or damaged. Once you know the maker, you can search online for an estimated price for the item.
- The stamp on the back is usually found at the bottom of the plate. Look for markers that are painted, pressed, or pasted on the item.
- The stamp on the back is sometimes very small, but usually includes an emblem or other marker, the name of the manufacturer, and a number indicating the category or date of manufacture of the item.
- One powerful way to estimate the value of an antique is to look for similar products at online auctions and see how much they sell for. However, this may vary based on the judgment of a professional appraiser.
- If you find your cutlery to be of high value, you may need to take it to a professional appraiser to determine its value more accurately.
- If the stamp on the back of the plate is damaged, you can compare its shape to the intact one through antique catalogs at your local library or online directories.
Step 5. Study past trends for information
Historically, some tableware designs in certain eras were more popular than others. For example, tableware from 1900 to 1920 was mostly floral, purple and pastel, and bordered by a border. Other trends that can help you identify antique tableware are:
- Designs from the 1920s to 1940s are known for their frequent use of bright colors and geometric shapes. Pastel colors were still quite popular at the time, as popular as ivory and creamy white combined with gold or silver plating.
- Designs from 1940 to 1950 used more striking colors, such as red, blue, and green. Pastel colors were rarely used during this period. Framed cutlery and slim-shaped plates were very popular during this era.
- Designs from the 1950s to 1970s were rarely decorated with gold frames because the invention of the microwave at that time made this no longer practical. Pastel colors are back in vogue, but in a paler version compared to the tableware of the previous era.
Method 2 of 3: Seeking Information to Unlock Insights
Step 1. Dig up information through a short search on the internet
There are many websites that focus on selling or helping you identify antique tableware sets. You can use these sources as a benchmark for information. These websites often provide an alphabetical list of antique manufacturers along with photos of the items.
Online appraisal services are often unable to accurately estimate the value of antique tableware. These online services should only be used as a secondary source of information when seeking further information
Step 2. Take advantage of information resources at the library or bookstore
Digital photos are sometimes of low quality and difficult to look at closely so you should visit the nearest library or bookstore. Use the references you find there to compare your antique tableware to other antiques to make it easier to identify.
- The library in your area may have a dedicated section on art and collectibles. This is the best place to start your search for information.
- If your cutlery is stamped with a specific name, such as Limoges or Wedgwood, you can usually find books that cover that particular manufacturer.
Step 3. Estimate the production era of your antique tableware
Sometimes, tableware has the characteristics of several eras at once. However, once you've narrowed down your search to just a few eras, you can compare the cutlery to other items from the same period. If you find any similarities, it's likely that they were produced from that era.
Sometimes, the stamp on the back or under the cutlery lists the specific date of manufacture. This will greatly assist your information search process
Method 3 of 3: Estimating the Value of Antique Tableware
Step 1. Maintain the original condition of the undetermined item
If there are minor cracks or other defects in antique tableware, you may be tempted to do a simple repair or polish. However, changing the original condition of antiques can actually reduce their selling value.
- Even if the changes you make are usually seen as positive, they can reduce their value once they are assessed.
- Keep parts, spares, or broken pieces of antique tableware with the originals. Sometimes an appraiser may advise you to take the item to a professional for repair.
Step 2. Don't use an online appraiser
Appraising goods online may be cheaper and quicker, but the quality and value you get will be lower than a physical inspection done by a professional appraiser. To accurately understand the condition of an antique, an appraiser must inspect it in person.
- If you're having trouble finding an appraiser or the price is too high for you, ask a pawnshop or real estate attorney to find someone who can do an appraisal.
- You should avoid auction houses and antique brokers when appraising antiques. They can lower the selling price of the item so they can buy it from you cheaply.
Step 3. Hire the services of an appraiser
Appraisers have different specialties. To get an accurate estimate, you may have to talk to several appraisers before finding the best fit. Read the resume of your chosen appraiser to find out about his experience in antique appraisal and ask for references so you don't get scammed.
- Once you've narrowed down your potential appraiser, you'll need to request a written contract that spells out the cost of the appraisal and its duration.
- Typically, a full assessment and preparation of a written report takes about a month. However, busy appraisers may take longer.
Step 4. Ask for proof of assessment
This evidence is usually in the form of a written report. The content in the report usually includes the reason for the assessment, the technique used to estimate the value of the cutlery, a description of the object being appraised, and the sale value of the item.
Step 5. Perform a reassessment
The selling price of your antique tableware may change over time so old appraisals may differ from their current values. In addition, market factors can change the value of your tableware. For example, if similar tableware flooded the market, its value might decrease.
