Learning Antique China Value
Trying to discover the value of antique china can be a very difficult process.
China is one of the most popular items to collect because it is so beautiful and ornate.
Many of the various types of antique china were all hand made, and hand painted also.
For many collectors, it begins by acquiring a single piece of china, perhaps at a sale or a market of some kind.
You might see a beautiful antique cup and saucer, and decide to buy it.
Naturally you then try to find out a little more about the item by doing a little research, either on the Internet or by reading some books about the subject.
You then discover that there is a whole set of such tableware, including plates, soup bowls, and others.
Often, you then become filled with a longing to find more of this type of china, and perhaps eventually to complete the whole set.
You become hooked, and start out on your antiquing quest that for many will last a lifetime.
There is a wide range of china in the world.
Antique china was made in many different countries such as China itself, England, Japan, and others.
There were also many different manufacturers in each country, and each manufacturer had their own distinct styles of shape and design.
In many cases, the items are not clearly marked in a way that permits you to identify them accurately.
In 1890 the United States passed a law requiring all china items to be marked clearly to show the manufacturer and the date of origin.
But for all items prior to this date, a lot of detecting is required.
Always look for any identification marks on the back or underneath the item.
To get some help identifying these marks you could take a few photos with a digital camera.
Please take the time to ensure that the photos are taken properly.
Take some pictures of the whole piece to show the shape and design, and take further zoomed photos of the underneath.
If the photos are blurred in any way, then they are probably useless and you are just wasting your own time as well as that of anyone that you ask for help.
Once you have your photos, you can find help in many places on the Internet.
Search for your particular brand of china along with the word 'forum' and you should be able to find a few that are suitable.
Forums are online communities of people who share common interests, and people discuss and ask questions about the subject.
You would be allowed to upload some of your photos and ask others for help in identifying it.
One thing you need to be careful about when dealing with antique china, is fakes and reproductions.
Many of the various types of china have been copied by others, and it requires expert knowledge to be able to tell the difference.
As you continue to collect china, be sure to read up on the subject regularly.
In time you will become quite an expert yourself.
Until then, an expert china appraisal may be required, and this is usually a paid service.
Contact a professional appraiser, relay all the information you have on the item, and make an appointment.
China is one of the most popular items to collect because it is so beautiful and ornate.
Many of the various types of antique china were all hand made, and hand painted also.
For many collectors, it begins by acquiring a single piece of china, perhaps at a sale or a market of some kind.
You might see a beautiful antique cup and saucer, and decide to buy it.
Naturally you then try to find out a little more about the item by doing a little research, either on the Internet or by reading some books about the subject.
You then discover that there is a whole set of such tableware, including plates, soup bowls, and others.
Often, you then become filled with a longing to find more of this type of china, and perhaps eventually to complete the whole set.
You become hooked, and start out on your antiquing quest that for many will last a lifetime.
There is a wide range of china in the world.
Antique china was made in many different countries such as China itself, England, Japan, and others.
There were also many different manufacturers in each country, and each manufacturer had their own distinct styles of shape and design.
In many cases, the items are not clearly marked in a way that permits you to identify them accurately.
In 1890 the United States passed a law requiring all china items to be marked clearly to show the manufacturer and the date of origin.
But for all items prior to this date, a lot of detecting is required.
Always look for any identification marks on the back or underneath the item.
To get some help identifying these marks you could take a few photos with a digital camera.
Please take the time to ensure that the photos are taken properly.
Take some pictures of the whole piece to show the shape and design, and take further zoomed photos of the underneath.
If the photos are blurred in any way, then they are probably useless and you are just wasting your own time as well as that of anyone that you ask for help.
Once you have your photos, you can find help in many places on the Internet.
Search for your particular brand of china along with the word 'forum' and you should be able to find a few that are suitable.
Forums are online communities of people who share common interests, and people discuss and ask questions about the subject.
You would be allowed to upload some of your photos and ask others for help in identifying it.
One thing you need to be careful about when dealing with antique china, is fakes and reproductions.
Many of the various types of china have been copied by others, and it requires expert knowledge to be able to tell the difference.
As you continue to collect china, be sure to read up on the subject regularly.
In time you will become quite an expert yourself.
Until then, an expert china appraisal may be required, and this is usually a paid service.
Contact a professional appraiser, relay all the information you have on the item, and make an appointment.