In this installment, we will take a look at one of the biggest factors that affect value. Its pattern and decoration. Many manufactures gave patterns names which they sometimes printed on the bottom with thier mark or backstamp, but this is not always the case. It helps to know when you are researching the value, but is not always necessary.
What does the pattern look like? Is it modern and trendy? Simple or Elegant? There are some patterns that are timeless and do not go out of style, but a lot of the busy designs have not translated well as styles changed over the years.
Unfortunately these are the distinguishing factors that will mean a china set keeps it value or not. The downside is a very harsh reality indeed. This is more important than its age or rarity. If you cannot find it selling on eBay then there could be a reason for it, and it might not be rarity. If you ever watched antiques roadshow and see a beautiful elaborately carved dressing table from the 1700s and has a value of $2000 and you wonder how? It should be more. Value is what people will pay for something and is also something that changes over time. This is true for all antique and vintage items.
Bottom line – The majority sets do not sell for a lot of money. 80PC+ China sets generally sell for $100 to $200. Sometime a lot less than that. I have seen large sets sell for $25 to $50. It is a reality check. I have seen some sell for $1000 to $2000 as well, but these were generally from premium suppliers like Royal Albert, Wedgwood or Rosenthal.
For all of the articles in this series, What is my china worth?, check out the links below.
Part 1 – What is my China worth – Introduction
Part 2 – What is my china worth – How old is it?
Part 3 – What is my china worth – Is it hand painted?
Part 4 – What is my china worth – Condition
Part 5 – What is my china worth – Pattern and decoration
