subject: Antique Plates: It's Values And Worth [print this page] 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. The makers of antique bone china always leave a logo or mark on almost every piece of the plates they manufacture. It may include the series where the plate is included or even the date when the plate was created. If there are marks in your antique plates - what do they mean and what does that tell you?
-Check out sources. Search online stores that can provide you with necessary information about the company manufacturing the product. See the logo if the manufacturer's name cannot be found. There are certain sites online that can provide you with manufacturer's logo. You may compare those markings with the one found on your plate.
-Ready for appraising. Now you have the basic information about 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, here are some ways to do just that.
-Put them inside a secure chest or cabinet so that no one can touch them. Personally I think it is pointless except when you want to see your antique bone china i think you should use them - even just for special occasions.
Whether you use of leave your antique plays on display - wash the plates regularly so the do not get food, dust and 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 the best way to preserve family heritage.
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. It is through learning antique plates that you'll know what you like and to collect.
