Antique Plate World

The best way to start collecting antique cups and saucers is by knowing everything about it. photo by http://flickr.com

You may not know it but you could be in possession of rare heirlooms passed down by your great grandparents. In the world of rare antique finds, antique cups and saucers may not be on the list of Tomb Raiders or Indiana Jones but that doesn’t make them less rare, precious or collectible. So dust them off because if you know the value of them, the manufacturers history and the family history then collecting more antique cups and saucers could become a lifelong pastime.

Are you really aware of the value of your antique cups and saucers?

It is important for an antique cup collector to know the value of each piece in your collection. And the best way to start it is by knowing its background and everything that surrounds it.

Silverware and Porcelain

While very early cups were made of silver for the wealthy, today these are expensive and not as easy to collect as porcelain. The huge variety of colors, shapes and manufacturers that produced porcelain tea sets makes collecting easy and inexpensive. Once you know the style of what you like, the era and what you will happily pay the hunt begins in every nook, cranny, antique and garage sale.

More Than Just Display

While many choose to display their antique cup collections as decorations, it shouldn’t be forgotten that these cups were designed to drink tea, hot chocolate or coffee. Don’t neglect them – use them. Just think how many teas, coffee or hot chocolate were poured and drunk from these cups. How nostalgic to think that the antique cup you sip your hot chocolate from is the same one your grandmother drank tea with her friends or relatives. How many occasions, happy and sad were celebrated over a cup of tea or coffee? And nicer than pulling out a photo album.

Wash With Care

When antique cups are used as a display they collect dust. If you use them to serve at an afternoon tea party they could be stained by tea or coffee. Either way, hand washing antique cups and saucers is the best way to preserve them. Putting them into a dishwasher is a great no-no. They may break, chip or discolor. If you are enjoying your antique collection then take good care of them and always wash them by hand.

Price Is Never A Question

For collectors, antique cups and saucers is not about money. But money is important. The question is how valuable is

Knowing the value of the cup before buying it is your guarantee that it is worth the price. photo by: http://www.flickr.com

this tea set and what are you willing to pay for it? Know the value of the cup before buying it. And the best way is by looking at its background. Asking questions about where it was made, which manufacturer, the year and the cups condition are essential.

Heirlooms, Collecting And More

The more you learn about antique cups and saucers, the more knowledge you gain and the more your passion and interest in collecting grows. So when adding to your collection of heirlooms whether from an antique shop or buying online the best advice is; buy what you like. That way if they never go up in value you will continue to enjoy your cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate. There are many antique cups and saucers out there, so are you ready to collect?

The first move to do when buying antique cups is looking at its background. photo by http://www.flickr.com

If you’re collecting antique cups you are probably scouring the internet, looking at Google, Yahoo and Bing and other search engines and sites to get the best deal possible. After a while it’s overwhelming. So many sites, so many antique cups – so much information.

People searching the internet for antique cups are looking for the best places to buy or sell antique cups, how they should look after them, how they can repair them and even how to spot fakes. This short article will look at what three things you should avoid.

The first thing is to get a lot of background information on the type of antique cup you are looking for. After all, you can buy an antique cup for as little as one dollar. Not very much is it? But what do you get for your money?

Knowing more of the specifics is essential to good collecting. Such as what should an antique cup of that era, from that manufacturer and locality normally cost? Are you looking at a reputable site? Can you check the credentials of the seller?

Listed below are the three points you must avoid:

1. Avoid buying the first antique cup you find. Even if appears to be the right color, manufacturer and year, inquire about any cracks or stains that the cup has had. It is relatively easy to cover up a hairline crack in a photograph or even a stain. But once you have bought it, it’s too late. You can never be too careful when it comes to buying antique cups, especially when buying from a photograph.

2. Avoid buying from photographs. Is the photograph clear enough to show you the condition of the handle. Handles are easily broken. They can also be easily glued back. If you’re happy with a glued on handle for a fraction of it’s normal price that is totally up to you. But if you want a good quality item – double check before you buy – if the photograph isn’t clear enough then you have the right to ask.

3. Avoid buying the markings on the cup. Does the cup have markings and are they real? Don’t fall in love with the markings. Anyone can add a marking under a cup or plate and if you don’t know what you’re doing you could be buying a fake. This is a problem with the internet, researching, deciding and buying without seeing the product.

Your best option is to do your research first before you buy because once you have bought the antique cup it may not be so easy to return or get your money back. Even if you’re only spending a few dollars you want the time, effort and cost of each antique cup you buy to be worth it.

Deal with each of these issues and you will increase your chances of buying an antique cup that you will be happy to add to your collection and enjoy each time you use the cups to serve your guest tea and coffee.
If you’re really passionate about collecting, buying or selling antique cups then build your antique knowledge to cover different periods, manufacturers, styles and fashions. Whether it’s for your next tea party or just adding to your collection, the more you learn the more you’ll know what you like and why you enjoy them so much.

photo by http://www.flickr.com

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 dollars 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. Manufacturers or makers of antique bone china still leave a logo or mark on almost every piece they produce. It may include the series where the plate is included or even the date when the plate was created. If you antique plates have marks – what do they mean and what does that tell you?

•Check out sources. Investigate online stores that can provide you with more information about the manufacturing company. If the name of the manufacturer cannot be found, refer to the logo instead. There are certain sites online that can provide you with manufacturer’s logo. You may want to compare it with the one found on your plate.

•Ready for appraising. Now you hold the basic information you need about your 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,

photo by http://www.flickr.com

here are some ways to do just that.

• Put them inside a secure chest or cabinet so that no one can touch them. I personally don’t like this point unless you plan to see your antique bone china I think you should use them – even if only on special occasions.
• Whether using your antique plates regularly or leaving them as a display – wash them regularly so they do get food, dust and dirt stains on them.
• Never place antique pieces in the dishwasher. You run the risk of breaking them or stripping the designs from them.

Antique plates are great dinnerware and display, something of real value you can sell if you ever need to. For most people antique bone china is a great way to preserve family history.

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. The more you learn about antiques the more you’ll know what you like and collect.

Proven! Antique Tea Pots Slow Time!

Most people would never consider antique teapots as important historical artifacts. But they are. They hold the key to many cultures; the way they spent their time, how they withdrew from the day, entertained and courted friendships and traded secrets. A lot like today.

Drinking tea and the tea ceremony give us relief during a busy day – even if for a moment. Of course, everything today is minimized and tea ceremonies consist of unceremoniously throwing a tea bag into a mug. This is nothing like ceremonies that other eras developed – but the shorthand is still there -pausing from the day.

Countries like China, Japan, England, India, Egypt, Russia and Germany have their own tea histories. Antique teapots provide proof and clues as to how people used tea in these different countries to conduct business, treaties, marriage contracts and gossip. Antique teapots sybmolized your life, status and position.

Today people collect antique teapots because of their visual or collectible appeal. And there are so many antique tea pot styles, designs and eras to choose from. From porcelain antique tea pots, Victorian teapots, cast iron or Japanese antique teapots you can find antique teapots in every color, shape, size and country.

While blue antique tea pots are well-known there are also antique bamboo teapots, antique bronze teapots, silver antique teapots, antique clay teapots, glass antique teapots, and even antique crystal teapots.

So in your quest for finding and collecting antique tea pots things to consider include:

1.            The era or period

2.            The maker or manufacturer

3.            Antique markings on the piece

4.            Uniqueness of design, color or shape of the lid, spout and body.

5.            Number in existence.

Some antique teapots have strainers built into the bottom of the teapot to prevent loose tea leaves from getting poured into teacups. Clever – and a design feature some modern tea pots have copied from these antique tea pots.

Some antique tea pots have strainers attached inside the spout but on the whole many without strainers at all.

Antique teapots may feel out of place next to the teabag world but they still serve a great purpose. For those who collect the pleasure ranges from uniqueness, color, design and even price.

For those who enjoy taking a moment to make tea in an antique teapot, whether it’s Staffordshire teapots, antique silver teapots or a yixing teapot, when they reach for an antique teapot they make time stand still. It’s may be an illusion but by using antique tea pots in your home you slow down the process of making tea into individual components. Each important for making tea and slowing down the day to collect yourself before you head off again.

I make tea in my antique teapot when I can; its antique Georgian made of sterling silver. My only complaint is that it’s too small because once I have poured two cups there is no third and I only have so much time to make tea.

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Staffordshire Pottery Marks

The Staffordshire Potteries refers to the area known in the 17th century for ceramic production. It consisted of six towns that make up Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire, England: Tunstall, Burslem, Hanley, Stoke, Fenton and Longton.

Over 1500 pottery companies have operated in Stoke-on-Trent since the early 1700′s. The reason for the concentration of potteries was the local availability of clay, salt, coal and lead, which are all needed in the production of quality pottery.

Some companies only stayed in business for a few years while some have been operational for over 200 years. The distinction in the pottery is found in the Staffordshire pottery marks; they clearly identify the manufacturer and the time period when the ceramic or porcelain was produced and the pottery marks could be letters, crests or symbols on the bottom of the piece.

A popular ceramic and porcelain manufacturer was Wedgwood.

The first ceramic pieces circa 1860 – 1900 by Wedgwood used standard name-mark or impressed marks, “Wedgwood”.

The Wedgwood mark changed many times within that same time period. Another printed mark read “ROYAL STONE CHINA WEDGWOOD & Co.” and incorporated a printed mark of Royal Arms.

Another Wedgwood pottery mark circa 1890 – 1906 displayed a lion standing on a crown with banners circling above stating “SEMI ROYAL PORCELAIN” and the bottom banner reading, “WEDGEWOOD & CO. ENGLAND”.

Another popular Staffordshire pottery was Spode. Spode was founded in 1767 by Joshua Spode who has been credited for the perfection of the formula of fine bone china.

The first pottery marks circa 1780-1790 by Spode were early impressed or printed mark in upper and lower case letter of the company name. In 1805 – 1833 Spode used typical printed marks. One pottery mark was written in script , “Spode’s Imperial”. Another pottery mark read “Spode’s New Fayence”.

Staffordshire pottery marks reflect the craftsmanship of these potteries and these marks indicate who and when these pieces of art were created. Today they are used to help to date and value a piece of English pottery from the area.

Author: Blake Hygate

Blake is the owner of a website that called AllEnglishpottery.com, which provides information on British based pottery makers as well as providing Pottery for Sale. Of course one of the most popular of all pottery from England is Staffordshire Pottery, which can also be found at AllEnglishPottery.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Blake_Hygate

Where to Find Discount Wedgwood China

There is not a lot of discount Wedgwood China available, although, given the prices of some of the items in the line, any discount is greatly appreciated.

You might not think paying $50 for a plate is a discount, however, depending on the age of the particular item and the supply of pieces, $50 might seem like a discount.

You might not think of it but not every design, not every creation from the Wedgwood Company has been a smash hit.

Even the most successful companies in any field have products and designs that failed to catch on with the public and Wedgwood is no exception.

Not many people are aware that in the mid to late 20th Century, a lot of the actual production of Wedgwood China was farmed out to other factories and craftsmen for a variety of reasons.

Some of this product was less popular than other lines manufactured in the original premises. As a result there is a variety of less expensive, discount Wedgwood China available for the discerning shopper who must have Wedgwood and must have it at a bargain price.

These days you have to do your homework before you make any purchase of discount Wedgwood China or you’re very likely to get fleeced by an unscrupulous merchant.

With factories all over Asia churning out imitations of every designer line, there are items being advertised for sale as Wedgwood that aren’t; and there are items being advertised for sale as antique Wedgwood that also aren’t.

Unless you’re simply looking to fill in that missing piece from grandma’s collection and you don’t really care about dating or authenticity, then let the price be your guide.

However, if you are more of a purist who insists that his Wedgwood be real Wedgwood, then do your homework, learn the identifying characteristics of Wedgwood China and then go shopping.

Author: Max Bellamy

Wedgewood China provides detailed information about discontinued, antique, and discount fine china, plus fine china outlets, values, and history. Wedgewood China is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Max_Bellamy

Decorating Your Kitchen With Antique Plates

Antique plates can add whimsy and interest to your decor. Many people hang them right on the walls for a unique look.

You can hang them up on special holders made just for this or use ribbons to hold them and hang from fancy hooks.

Learning how to arrange your plates so that they look best is key to making them a successful part of your wall dcor.

Lets say you have a beautiful antique platter that will go perfect in your kitchen. You run out to the store and get a hanging bracket, insert the plate and hang it on the wall over the server. Instant charm!

Pleased with your accomplishemnt you stand back. You tip your head to one side and then the other. Squinting, you take another look at the plate. Something doesn’t look right.

If you have ever found yourself dissatisfied with the appearance of the decorations on your walls you are not alone.

Many people make the same common mistakes that the eye can read as awkward but the individual does not know how to fix.

Here are some guidelines to keep in mind when arranging your plates as well decor:

Hanging Large Platters:

Large platters or chargers can be the focus of your dcor so you must make sure you hang them in a spot that is appropriate for the size and focus.

Where do larger pieces look the best?

Try above the server or dry sink, over a couch, behind the dining set, over a fireplace or on a feature wall.

A feature wall is where the placement of furniture or the layout of the home naturally guides the eye to a wall – a great place to feature your antique platters.

Hanging Small Plates:

Grouping smaller plates together in one area can add interest and keep them from getting ‘lost’. Use a common theme like, color, pattern or style to pull them together.

Hang a single smaller piece low on the wall and as close to the furniture as possible, otherwise it will seem to be floating.

Grouping Plates:

The key to grouping pieces together is to space them properly. Each item should be spaced about 3 inches away from the items on either side. Try positioning them on the floor or a table to get a pleasing arrangement before placing the nails and measure carefully before making any holes.

Height:

Plates should be hung with the center of the plate at eye level. That means the center should be about 60 to 66 inches from the floor. If you’ve visited a gallery you will see that the frames are not lined up by their top or bottom edges but that the pictures are all centered at the same height.

If the platter or plates will be viewed from a sitting position – like from the dining table, you should hang at the eye level of the sitter.

If you are hanging it behind the dry sink or server, make sure it is no more than 10′ above the back.

Using these tips you can transform your bare kitchen walls into a designer showcase with a unique focus on antique plates!

Author: Lee Dobbins

Lee Dobbins write for A Kitchen Decorating Idea Guide where you can find out more about decorating your kitchen. Don’t forget to visit the article database for more decorating ideas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins

Enrich Your Dinner With Antique Dishes and Kitchen 

Antique dishes exude a charm that makes your dining experience a truly classy one.

Such kitchenware is decades old and transports you back to the classic era. When you place these antique dishes on your dinner table, the entire ambience of the room changes. Time stands still.

You’re no longer in the modern, fast age. You actually begin to feel the vibes of ancient traditions.

Status Symbols

It’s no wonder that antique dishes are getting popular. They certainly are spectacular things to have on your dinner table.

People want to own them as a status symbol. Antique dishes add to the appeal of their kitchenware.

Anyone who values the art of dining knows how important these dishes are. People buy them no matter how expensive they might be. It’s not the cost that matters; it’s the pride of owning them that matters!

Bringing Alive The Heritage!

Visit any heritage hotel of your city and you’ll get a chance to dine in antique dishes. These are the oldest places that have managed to retain the rich and diverse legacy not only of kitchenware, but also of the entire culture.

Enter a Heritage Palace and you’ll be awed by the grandeur of the walls and furniture. As you make yourself comfortable on one of the classic dining chairs, you’ll notice that the dishes, set impeccably, invite you to a scrumptious dinner.

The notable feature of such palaces and hotels is that they serve you in a traditional style in various kinds of antique dishes.

Each hotel maintains its style of serving based on the heritage of the particular region.

Many hotels transform the entire interiors to create a replica of the ancient era. They use sheer white, embroidered tablecloths with complementary tablemats.

The antique dishes and plates are set on the table with attention to every detail and symmetry to lure the customers to dine on them.

Even the cutlery in many heritage hotels is antique, thus, maintaining the richness in serving style. The entire dinner table looks so inviting that even if you’re not hungry, you’d still sit for a glass of wine!

The Antique Matter

What’s the secret of the amazing durability of antique kitchenware? Well, it’s porcelain! This material is a blend of kaolin, which is white clay, and petuntse, a crystalline substance. Porcelain is hard, dense, and resistant to moisture, scratches, and stains. Most of the antique dishes that you admire for their flawless finish and low maintenance are made from porcelain.

Interested in antique kitchenware?

Internet is the best place to look for it. You can have a look at all the antique pieces, along with their price.

There is a vast collection of antique kitchenware and dishes available in different shapes and sizes. Some are so beautifully crafted; you just can’t help buy them!

Bring home a classic set of antique dishes and set them on your chic dinner table. You’ll get a perfect blend of antiquity and class.

Author: Julie Casper

Julie Casper has a whole collection of Antique Dishes and her friends thinks she is crazy for collecting so many. Come and see her fine China Dishes at her personally run blog site!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie_Casper