Value of Antique Dinnerware

Antique dinnerware is often passed from generation to generation and many collect antique china dinnerware with the notion that it is valuable. Knowing the value of what you have or intend to collect or is advisable. It is sad that people inherit antiques and give them away or sell them at a portion of its value because they don't know that it is worth something. It's even sadder when people collect dishes with the intention of selling them at a profit only to find that there is no demand for it. With a little research, you can find out the value of dishes to avoid falling into these traps of disappointment.

The first step in valuating dishes is china identification. In order to value dishes pattern identification is essential. It also helps to know the manufacturer. Identification marks play a big part in valuation because they not only establish authenticity; they also enable you to find out where and when the dishes were made. When it comes to antique or vintage dinnerware, this knowledge can be vital to the worth of dinnerware.

Once you have the manufacturer's name and the name of the pattern, you can start to search the internet to see what that pattern is selling for, or you can visit antique stores, garage sales and flea markets to check out the prices; however, this is not the best way to find the real value. Dinnerware usually sells on internet auctions at price that is less than true value. Antique stores often inflate the prices while garage sales, flea markets or swap meets price items to sell without much attention to the worth.

Basically, there are three reliable ways to value antique china:

1. Consult with Antiquing Websites

Some websites do exist that offer trustworthy valuation services; however, you do have to be careful about choosing resources. There are many internet marketers that charge for useless information to make a buck who really don't know what they are talking about. Joining antique forums will give you access to conversations amongst collectors where you will likely come across some useful word of mouth recommendations for websites that offer reliable information about antique, vintage and collectible dinnerware.

2. Search Antique Price Guides

Most times price guides are dependable resources for determining the value of antique dinnerware. Massive guides that include all brands and types of dinnerware are usually less worthy than guides that specialize in a certain pattern, brand, timeline, or type. The more product-specific the guide is, the more you can rely on the fact that the author of the guide knows about the products that they are featuring.

3. Get an Appraisal from an Antique Appraiser

People usually know a lot about antique dinnerware when work with antiques day in and day out. They know how to interpret identification marks and how to find the value of the piece or pieces that you need information on. In my opinion, getting an appraisal from a professional antique appraiser is the best way to get a value that you can depend on.

Overall, an antique is only worth the price that a person will pay for it. The era that the dinnerware comes from; the manufacturer, pattern and place of production; and the demand for the product all plays a part in the value of antique china dinnerware. Knowing the value before you buy, sell or collect is a worthwhile mission.