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.

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

Moorcroft the Man

William Moorcroft was a born and bred Staffordshire potter, hailing right from the heart of Stoke in Burslem, no less. He was born in 1872, and his work spanned the Arts and Crafts and Art Noveau Movements, at the turn of the century.

When master potter William Moorcroft was learning his trade at his art school which became the place to be for local talent, he little knew what antique treasures he was about to produce.

In 1897, William Moorcroft was offered a job as a designer with James MacIntyre and Company who wanted to start an art pottery department.

Moorcroft remained the designer at MacIntyre prior to beginning his own firm, Moorcroft pottery in 1910.

This success encouraging him to set up on his own and continue to produce floral designs into the 1930s, using more exotic flowers could only mean greater success.

Moorcroft now moved into a numberof floral designs interpreting the earlier work of Tiffany, Galle, and others in a new and unique style.

He was quite prosperous through most of these times as the public demand for his work remained high.

He further experimented with landscape designs, and these are now, years later highly sought after.

The man’s elder son, Walter, took over management and design on William’s death.

William’s artistry and designs were quickly recognized for their quality and innovation while the Second World War saw a return to the manufacture of plain goods for military and civilian use, and in 1945 William Moorcroft died.

A daughter, Beatrice, and a son, Walter, were born to William and his wife, Florence, in 1914 and 1917, respectively.

William’s son, Walter, reminiscing about his early experiences working for his father, once, apparently described his methods of manufacture as highly secretive and most unorthodox.

One thing is for certain, Moorcroft pottery was extremely popular back then and still remains as such to this very day.

Author: John E Milligan

For all your antiques please visit http://www.best-antiques-auctions.com for truly amazing prices. You will find Moorcroft, Clarice Cliff, Beswick, and all the other familiar and not so familiar names there.

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

Porcelain Restoration Can Be Difficult But Don’t

Family heirlooms are important to the entire family and it is critical to keep these pieces in the best possible shape.

Even if you take care of your heirloom by keeping them safe, accidents can happen and time itself can be a problem.

Keeping antiques and heirlooms in impeccable shape can be difficult because of the expertise needed to correct the problems and because often the tools and materials needed to fix the problem are no longer available or are hard to come by.

You could try to fix the problem yourself but frequently this makes the problem worse and can require more time and money later on.

Many heirlooms are very delicate and rarely receive the treatment that they require.

Porcelain restoration is often one of the toughest types of restoration because of its fine nature. Chips and cracks can occur easily with such a delicate constitution and are often ugly and prominent.

The substance is white and therefore hard to keep clean. If handled improperly the porcelain can chip and crack leaving noticeable damage.

If these chips and cracks are repaired by someone who doesn’t have the experience then it could make the damage even worse. This is particularly a problem if you plan to sell your heirloom as an antique.

Damages must be restored properly or they can affect the resale value of your item. Often this means that the item must be restored by an expert who has the experience and tools to do the job properly.

The cracks or chips in porcelain can go deeper than the surface and it is necessary they are repaired correctly.

Experts will often use glues that dry invisibly to correct chips or cracks; they will often be able to recreate the intricate patterns on plates or dishes. The restoration process is delicate and complex.

One example of the delicate nature of porcelain can be found in antique porcelain dolls. Antique dolls often had hands and faces made of the delicate ceramic. This type of doll is still made today but is often used as decoration or memory. These delicate dolls used to be toys for young girls to play with.

If you had a traditional doll that was passed down through your family it would definitely have some wear and tear. These dolls are so fine and delicate that it would be extremely difficult to repair.

Just like plates, tiles and other items made of porcelain the dolls face can become cracked and chipped. This must be repaired thoroughly because the dolls face is often the center of focus.

Porcelain restoration is the answer to this problem. Experts will completely repair the cracks and chips in the dolls face and any other problem areas. They will carefully examine the doll and make sure that it is in the best shape that it has been in years.

After your porcelain is repaired, be it an antique dish or doll; be sure to take the proper precautions.

You always want to keep your porcelain in a safe place and although it is made to be used you should reduce the amount of times you use the piece to lower the risk of breaking it again. Precious antiques and heirlooms should be kept in a safe environment to be admired.

Author: Andrew Stratton

Antiques that are delicate and need to be repaired with care. China repair and porcelain repair can fix the chips or cracks found in antiques. However it is important to get them repaired by professionals. To know more about restoration, visit http://www.luelstudio.com/.

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The Antique Pottery  of Yesteryear

In the strictest of terms antique pottery is pottery that is at least 100 years old, though today just about anything that simply looks antique will pass the grade regardless of age.

Being sold through public and private auction houses, dealers, museums and online, these old and fine items are full of interest and beauty.

Antique pottery is referred to as a type of ceramic material and fired ceramic wares that contain clay when formed, except technical, structural, and refractory products.

It is also popular along with the retro style. The worst thing that can happen to a piece of antique pottery is for it to have chips and cracks and hard porcelain antique pottery is very strong but has this one drawback – it chips easily.

Each type has its own individual characteristics and some antique pieces are highly prized especially if the manufacturer is no longer in production.

Trade shows are great places to find antique pottery at fairly affordable prices though this may depend on the show’s location.

Those in London for example will more than likely be dearer than those in the South Wales Valleys.

Trade shows may not come to your town often, but you can search online for a schedule of antique trade shows that will keep you updated on shows in your city or surrounding areas.

Studying antique pottery and indeed, sculpture, is a great way to see how cultures have evolved and how artistic skills have developed over the centuries.

No study of antique sculptures and pottery can be complete without looking at the classical pieces created in Rome and Greece.

If you are interested in North American antique pottery then you may want to study Roseville pottery.

Some of these wonderful items gives you the vivid description of how the people of the ancient era ate and drank. Unfortunately, there are fake reproductions of antique porcelain on the market and you will come to know these through experience and knowledge so always be on your guard of course.

If ever you want to step back in time and learn about our past then starting a collection of antiques is a sure step forward.

Author: John E Milligan

For all your antiques please visit http://www.best-antiques-auctions.com for truly amazing prices. You will find Moorcroft, Clarice Cliff, Beswick, and all the other familiar and not so familiar names there.

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

The Soup Tureen – A Noble History, You’ll Eat With

Few other dishes carry as much of the mystique and history as the Tureen.

Such a simple dish, really, and practical for serving only 6 or so people, but nonetheless a part of legend.

It’s designed for serving soups and stews and for centuries could be found in various designs but have remained constantly the same – an elegant shape with domed handled lid, and handles on the bottom dish.

Few other dishes carry the history and tradition of the tureen. More elegant contemporary designs or older antique versions will display with an under tray.

500 years ago, it was common for soup to be the primary European meal, and was originally thought to be called an ecuelle.

A smaller dish, with handles and a lid and meant to picked up and drunk from. It was with this prominent and frequent table presence that the soup tureen was born.

With a plethora of inexpensive soups, stews, broths and chowders making up the common meal, it was natural for artisans to seize the opportunity and begin crafting appropriate wares.

Though practical in use to serve the communal meal and keep the dish warm, it evolved into an elegant table centerpiece across all society levels.

Artisans have approached the soup tureen as the most elegant dish amongst the china set, the art piece if you will, of the serving set.

The table quickly became the place for daily graces and ceremony with the elegant soup tureen holding court over the family’s table. Overtime, the one course meal evolved to courses, and the various soup bowls to support a more complex society’s traditions followed.

The tureen provided an economical way to make a lasting and elegant impression on dinner guests while serving affordable meals.

Thus the tureen has claimed it’s permanent and noble place in history, the Campbell Museum shares "whether named to honor the French military hero Marshal Turenne or called a pot a oille-a Catalan-Provencal soup- came into use in the later seventeenth-century France.

Most seventeenth-century silver tureens were melted down to finance the wars of Louis’ late years and may be glimpsed only in paintings.

During the mid-eighteenth century tureens in appropriate naturalistic shapes, such as tureens in the form of a head of cabbage, were popular."

Perhaps you have also heard of Thomas Germain, a Parisian silver smith who made a tureen in 1733 which sold at Sotheby’s during a 1966 New York auction for $10,287,500. One of the few, and rare remaining Parisian silver soup tureens.

During the eighteenth century, craftsmen raced to meet the demand for pretentious services, developing extraordinary tureens from a variety of rare and precious resources.

Fashionable forms, precious metals, expensive decorations created some amazing works of art, all to serve soup.

No other serving vessel can claim this artistic persistence to create a master piece for the table.

If you would like to review our 800+ soup tureen selection, click here. You’ll also find additional information on soup tureens, bowls and ladles. As you serve your soup, cherish the noble soup tureen’s heritage and bring the tradition to your own table. You’ll be eating with Kings when you serve your soup in a tureen.

Author: Shannon Schei

Sources: (Getty Museum) "Casting Nature: Franois-Thomas Germain’s Machine d’Argent, 2006 Campbell Collection of Soup Tureens at Winterthur

Shannon Schei is a soup chef with over 15 years of soup making enjoyment. Share the love and make a great soup today!

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