Submitted by: Christine Mcveigh

Would you use an antique plate every day and night? Are you using valuable antique bone china every night and don’t know it? For many, plates are just another kind of kitchen or dining utensil. But for some the plates’ definition goes beyond being a plain utensil especially if they are antique bone China handed from generation to generation. Your great grandmother passes it to your grandmother. your grandmother handed it to your mother. And now you are the caretaker of the plate. The period of time the plates existed defines its antiquity.

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. Manufacturers or makers of antique bone china still leave a logo or mark on almost every piece they produce. It may include the series where the plate is included or even the date when the plate was created. If you antique plates have marks – what do they mean and what does that tell you?

Check out sources. Investigate online stores that can provide you with more information about the manufacturing company. 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 hold the basic information you need about your 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.

Place them inside a secure vault 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 using your antique plates regularly or leaving them as a display wash them regularly so they do get food, dust and dirt 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. The more you learn about antiques the more you’ll know what you like and collect.

About the Author: Christine McVeigh is author of blog

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