The value of china and porcelain dishes spans a broad range. Antique lovers are frequently attracted to collecting fine porcelain, while other collectors may prefer a specific design or designs from a maker more than pieces that are antique. Discovering a set of china that takes your breath away is a wonderful experience and valuing that set of china can be difficult due to personal bias. However, there are long standing methods for valuing china that include a well-defined set of variables that affect the potential value of the pieces or set.

Condition

In real estate, it is often said "Location, location, location." In china and other collectibles, that dogma is, "Condition, condition, condition." There is no way to understate the import of condition on the value of china no matter how rare. Fading, scratching, chips or cracks, absolutely degrade the value of the pieces and the price for which they can be sold or valued. When valuing china or any collectible, it is vital to provide extensive detailing of any flaws as these certainly will impact value.

Rarity and Desirability

China dish sets are often collected and split for resale to increase the total price, so finding a set of the china you desire to collect can be an adventure. Rarity of sets definitely affects the price of china. Patterns that were produced in fewer sets are naturally rare and with antique patterns that is especially true. Additionally, the rarity of china usually dictates its desirability. However even with rare china there are some china makers and patterns within makers that are most popular. This desirability of the china leads to more value in the marketplace.

Maker Marks

Establishing the maker of china dishes is essential to appraisal. Located on the underside of dishes are the backmarks of the maker or manufacturer of china dishware. For example, Haviland Limoges has a backmark with Haviland in curved text over the word France that dates the china to 1894 to 1931, a flourishing period for Limoges. These maker marks can be matched to documented maker marks in order to identify china. Marks of famous makers, antique and modern, may be found on the Internet or in books purchased or obtained from public libraries. For china with or without marks, the paste and the glaze are also important clues to discovering the manufacturer.

Location

Much of the trade in antiques and collectibles takes place between dealers and at auctions. It is possible to pay more in a provincial auction but usually prices at auction are less that in specialty retail stores. Additionally, regional differences can factor in pricing of china as there are certain areas where particular designs or makers sell better so that supply and demand becomes a key factor in pricing. For instance, blue and white porcelain patterns popular in the U.S. include Spode, Staffordshire, unmarked flow blue and transfer ware. Selling those patterns in a marketplace where blue and white china is preferred raises the potential value of the dishes.

Tips

Visit local shops or online shops that handle the china pattern to be valued. These sites offer experience with pricing that helps to benchmark china values. Also, consult a professional appraiser for an accurate evaluation of antique porcelain. The economic strength or buying power of an area impacts what can be expected for sales there. Professionals are usually aware of trends and can offer helpful advice on valuations of china.

Source:

Miller's: Porcelain: Antiques Checklist: Gordon Land 2001

Miller's Pocket Fact File: Antiques: Essential Information for Dealers, Collectors and Enthusiasts: Judith Miller and Martin Miller: 1993

Warman's Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide (Warman's Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide): Ellen T. Schroy: 2004