Identifying rare vintage dishes involves a combination of research, observation, and knowledge of key markers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you determine if your vintage dishes are rare and valuable:
1. Check for Manufacturer’s Marks (Backstamps)
- Turn the piece over and look for a maker’s mark, logo, or stamp on the underside.
- Common high-end manufacturers include:
- Limoges (France)
- Meissen (Germany)
- Royal Copenhagen (Denmark)
- Wedgwood (England)
- Haviland (France/USA)
- Noritake (Japan)
- Spode (England)
- Lenox (USA)
- Rarity indicators:
- Hand-painted marks (vs. printed)
- Older date ranges (pre-1950s)
- Marks from discontinued companies
2. Identify the Pattern
- Look up the pattern name or number (often found near the maker’s mark).
- Use reference books or online databases like:
- Replacements.com
- Kovels
- Antique China & Porcelain Guides
- Rare patterns may be:
- Limited editions
- Discontinued designs
- Art Nouveau or Art Deco styles
- Hand-painted (vs. transferware)
3. Assess Age & Era
- Pre-1900s: Hand-painted, uneven glazing, softer colors.
- Early 1900s (Art Nouveau/Art Deco): Bold designs, geometric shapes.
- Mid-20th Century (1950s-70s): Bright colors, atomic/mid-century modern.
- Clues to age:
- Gold trim wear (real gold wears differently than imitation)
- Weight (older porcelain is often lighter and finer)
- Glaze quality (crazing or slight imperfections in antiques)
4. Look for Unique Features
- Unusual shapes (asymmetrical, figural designs)
- Hand-painted details (vs. mass-produced decals)
- Rare colors (cobalt blue, pink lustre, uranium glass/vaseline glass)
- Historical significance (WWII-era, Depression glass)
5. Research Market Demand
- Check eBay sold listings, Etsy, and antique dealer sites for similar pieces.
- Rare pieces often have:
- High resale value ($100+ per plate)
- Collector interest (e.g., Flow Blue, Haviland Limoges)
- Auction records (Sotheby’s, Christie’s)
6. Consult Experts
- Visit antique appraisers or vintage china dealers.
- Join collector forums (e.g., Reddit’s r/Antiques, Facebook groups).
- Attend antique shows for professional opinions.
7. Beware of Reproductions
- Some modern pieces mimic vintage styles.
- Check for:
- “Made in China” stamps (unless pre-1950s Chinese export porcelain)
- Too-perfect printing (older pieces have slight irregularities)
- Modern materials (lighter/thicker than true vintage)
Top Rare Vintage Dishes to Look For:
- Flow Blue (19th-century transferware with blurred blue designs)
- Haviland Limoges (hand-painted French porcelain)
- Meissen figurines (18th-19th century German porcelain)
- Royal Worcester (English bone china with intricate designs)
- Nippon Moriage (early 1900s Japanese raised enamelware)
- Fire King Peach Lustre (1950s American restaurantware)
Final Tip:
If you suspect you have a rare set, handle with care—chips and cracks significantly reduce value. Happy hunting!
Would you like help identifying a specific piece? Feel free to share details or a photo!
