How To Sell Your Vintage And Antique China – A Handy Guide

Where and how to sell your vintage and antique china in the UK

If you’ve inherited a cupboard full of delicate teacups, stumbled across a vintage dinner set at a car boot sale, or are simply downsizing your collection, you might be wondering: What’s the best way to sell vintage and antique china? At Vintage & Antiques UK, we’re passionate about giving beautiful old pieces a new lease of life – and we’re here to help you do the same.

Here’s our step-by-step guide to selling your china, along with the best places to list or offer your pieces.

Step 1: Identify what you have

Before you can sell your china, it's important to know exactly what you’re working with. Look for:

• Backstamps or marks on the underside of plates, cups or saucers – these can identify the maker, pattern name and age.
• Complete sets vs. individual pieces – full tea or dinner services often command higher prices. Having said that if you sell items individually they may be worth more, but the amount of work involved is far greater.
• Condition – check for chips, cracks, crazing, or wear to gilding or transfers. For most china patterns , any damage to the china greatly reduces its value. 

If you’re unsure, take clear photos and feel free to contact a specialist or consult a reputable china pattern reference book.

Step 2: Clean and present It nicely

Presentation matters. Give your pieces a gentle clean with warm water and a soft cloth – avoid harsh chemicals that could damage delicate finishes. Photograph your items in natural light, against a plain background, and always include close-ups of any marks or flaws.

Step 3: Decide where to sell

There are several routes you can take, depending on how hands-on you want to be and how quickly you need to sell:

1. Online marketplaces

• eBay: A great option for reaching a global audience. Research completed listings to get an idea of pricing.
• Etsy: Ideal for vintage and handmade items. Well-suited to curated or rare pieces.
• Facebook Marketplace or selling groups: Good for local pickups and avoiding shipping costs, but the price you will get for your china is generally much lower.

2. Specialist dealers and online shops

• You can approach a dealer or an online replacement china shop for a valuation or to sell directly. They often buy vintage and antique china, especially English bone china and named patterns. If you sell to an online dealer you will have to either take the china to them or send it to them.

3. Auction houses

• Selling through a local or specialist auction can work well for high-value or rare items. You’ll usually pay a commission, but you gain the benefit of expert marketing and valuations.

4. Antique Fairs & Boot Sales

• These offer a chance to connect directly with buyers, though prices may be lower unless you’re a seasoned seller with an attractive stall.

Step 4: Be realistic about value

Not all china is worth a fortune. While some rare patterns by makers like Royal Worcester, Spode, or Shelley can command high prices, other everyday ware may be more modestly valued. Condition, demand, and current trends all affect saleability.

Bonus Tip: Sell to a local antique dealer

Local antique dealers who specialise in china are always on the lookout for high-quality vintage and antique china. If you’d like to sell your pieces without the hassle of listings, shipping, or haggling, get in touch with your local antique centre. They will usually be able to put you in touch with a dealer who specialises in china.  They will pay you a lower price than if you sell your china privately, but its much quicker and easier for you.

Final thoughts

Selling vintage china can be a rewarding experience – not just financially, but in knowing your cherished pieces will be loved and used once again. Whether you’re clearing space or closing a chapter, there are plenty of options available.

Want help identifying your china? We offer a china identification and valuation service.

You may also find this video below helpful on how to value your china for sale