Antique China Value

Antique China Value

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Are you interested in starting an antique china collection and are unsure as to where to begin? There are many different varieties of china available. It can be frustrating trying to determine which ones are truly valuable and which ones are not.

Finding antique china value is a process that has to be learned. The value of antique china depends on a few different factors, which include, but are not limited to:

* Date the china was made

* Manufacturer

* Amount of damage or use

Generally, you can find the age of china by the mark or signature found on the back. This mark will also give you an indication to the manufacturer.

How to Find the China's Value

Step #1 - China Identification

The first thing you will need to do is to identify the china. There are a variety of ways to identify and find the history behind a china piece. It is possible for you to learn how to identify china. It is important to understand that while your china may have a sentimental value that it may not have monetary value. Begin by collecting all the information you know about a piece. If the china in question is a family heirloom, then you can question people within your family. Someone may know a particular piece of information that will actually give you the date and country it was created. Write down everything you are told about the piece. Then try to decipher if all the information is valid.

Second, observe any signatures or markings on the bottom or back of the item. Look for the country's name and year. In the United States, this information marking became law in 1890. Anything earlier and you will have to increase your researching.

Marking Varieties

* Stamped

* Impressed

* Handwritten marks

* Paper/sticker marks

The stamped marks simply look like a stamp on the bottom. Impressed marks are actually cut into the china. Handwritten marks are generally a symbol or logo. However, they can be written in any language. Paper and sticker marks are printed and were fixed to the china with glue or shellac.

Export markings are added to china that is transported from its country of origin to another destination. You may see two different markings on china.

Dating Markings Guidelines

* The Royal Arms mark will be dated to the 19th or 20th century.

* When a printed mark contains the pattern's name, it is dated after 1810.

* Marks that include the word "Limited" or the abbreviations "Ltd or Ld" can be dated after 1861.

* The words "Trade Mark" indicate that the piece originated after 1862.

If you are trying to make a decision on whether to buy the china and want to find out its value, consider taking pictures with a digital camera. Take the pictures to an antique expert or try to locate the markings on the Internet or in books.

Step #2 - Check for Imperfections

This is an extremely important step, especially if you intend on investing and making a profit at selling antique china. With a magnifying glass and a black light, check the piece for chips, scratches, smudges, cracks, and stains. It is very difficult to see if a piece has been repaired without the use of these tools. A black light is great for helping you spot repairs. Under regular light, a piece of china may look flawless; however, under a black light, repairs will show.

The procedures for using a black light is to darken the room and shine the light on the object. Recent paint used on china will glow under a black light. The value of the china will be reduced by every repair or any damage occurred. You will want to ensure that you are getting what you pay for, whether you are collecting antique china for yourself or for profit. If you learn all you can about determining the value of antique china, you will be able to truly benefit from that knowledge.

About the Author:
How do you determine antique china value? Visit AntiquingAuthority.com



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