How do I know if my china is worth anything?
To value your china and know how much its worth, whether it's a set of china dishes or individual pieces, you can consider the following 6 steps:
- Research similar items of china already available for sale: Start by researching similar vintage and antique china sets or individual pieces online. Look for patterns, designs, and brands that are similar to yours. Online marketplaces such as ebay and etsy, auction websites, and antique dealers can be good sources for this information.
- Assess the condition of your china: With vintage and antique china,and replacement china the condition that the china is in makes a huge difference to the value. Evaluate the condition of your china. Look for any cracks, chips, repairs and other signs of wear such as knife marks or damage toi the glaze or gilt from dishwasher use. The condition of the china can significantly impact its value. Mint condition pieces of china or sets of china in excellent condition are generally more valuable.
- Identify the china maker and china pattern: Determine the manufacturer and pattern of your china. Look for any markings, stamps, or signatures on the bottom of the pieces. This information can help you identify the origin and potential value of your china, and possibly the artist if the piece of china was hand finished or painted.
- Consult reference books or websites: There are numerous reference books and online resources dedicated to china and porcelain identification and valuation. Consult these resources to find more information about your specific china pattern, maker, and historical value. Bear in mind by the time the books are published, they may already be out of date so valuations may not be accurate or current, but the information should give you a useful starting point.
- Get a professional appraisal: If you have rare or valuable china, or if you want a more accurate valuation, consider consulting a professional appraiser who specialises in china and porcelain. They have expertise in assessing the value of such items based on various factors, including rarity, condition, and market demand. Your local auction house will usually give you a free valuation if you are thinking of selling your china through them. We now offer a china identification and china valuation service here
- Consider current market demand and trends: The value of vintage and antique china can fluctuate based on market demand, current interior fashion and interior trends. Some patterns or styles may be more sought after than others, affecting their value. Keep this in mind when determining the potential worth of your china. It may be worth holding onto items until they are on trend as the value will be higher at that time.
Final thought
Remember that valuing china can be subjective, and prices can vary based on factors such as location and the specific buyer's preferences. If you wish to sell your china it is best to conduct thorough research and consider seeking multiple opinions, to get a better understanding of the potential value of your china.
7 comments
When I was 16,I was left a china set by a ladyI worked for, now in my eighties
I would like to sell it as family want modern. It’s Shelley primrose chintz 13587. I have cups,and saucers, bread and butter plate sugar bowl and milk jug.side plates, ..Do you buy.
What if their is no seams or no marks (nothing written any where ,, what can I do to find more information on these china.
I have twp Spode – Byron plates. Are the worth anything?
I have Paragon china – stamped with 823 on the bottom. I have 2 sandwich plates, 9 tea cups, 10 saucers, 10 tea plates, 1 sugar bowl and one milk jug (chipped). Is this set valuable?
We have place settings of china,Eggshell,Georgian,Homer Laughlin C 50 N S made in USA,need to know what it would be worth