Guide to Antique China
Bone china has a large, loyal following. It is collected all over the world according to brand name and pattern. It is hard to believe that the formula and process for this type of porcelain eluded the craftsmen of Europe for hundreds of years.
Spode
Although some pieces of Chinese porcelain were brought to Europe as early as the 13th century, it wasn’t until 1800 that English craftsmen finally cracked the code to begin manufacturing the prized commodity. Earlier attempts resulted in a softer type of ceramic.
One of the first companies to produce comparable porcelain by firing kaolin, feldspar and quartz together at high enough temperatures to make them melt and fuse together, was Chelsea, established around 1745. The antique china produced by this company is highly prized because it was sold in 1769. Other brand names from that time are Bow, Bristol, Worcester and Derby. Derby still manufactures fine china. The antique china from these companies is quite valuable.
Josiah Spode was the first to add bone ash to the mix while attempting to find a less expensive way to make porcelain, and the result was bone china. Although less expensive and easier to make, it is preferred to porcelain because of its translucence, high whiteness and durability. It also takes colors well to produce sought-after patterns both traditional and new. Spode China is still being manufactured and even the modern pieces are very collectible.
Along with Spode, other makers of very collectible bone china of that time are Minton (now a part of Royal Doulton), Davenport, Coalport (now part of Wedgewood), and Worcester which added “Royal” to its name in 1789.
Owning Antique China
Collecting antique china is a great way to acquire beautiful pieces that will increase in value. It is fragile, which adds to its value, but that fact shouldn’t stop you from using it. China, even antique china, can be displayed, used for meals and admired safely. Don’t use antique china in the microwave oven or dish washer. Wash it in soapy water without abrasive soaps or scrubbers. When storing it, use a sheet of paper toweling or other cushion between pieces to avoid chipping, scratching or breaking.
To further your enjoyment, read about your antique china. Learn about the history of the patterns and companies that you collect and, if you like, look for fellow collectors online. Share your interest in forums of like-minded collectors. The most important rule for collectors of antique china is “Enjoy it.”
About the Author
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Antique Royal Worcester Fruit and Flowers Plate 1886 $29.99 |
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ANTIQUE ROYAL WORCESTER FLOWERS SQUARE DESSERT PLATTER $95.00 |
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Antique Royal Worcester Blanc de Chine Leaf Jug $189.99 |
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Antique Royal Worcester Pearlescent Figure A $239.99 |
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Antique Royal Worcester Pair Soup Cabinet Plates B $69.99 |
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Antique Royal Worcester Pearlescent Figure B $239.99 |
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ANTIQUE ROYAL WORCESTER BLUSH IVORY VASE & COVER C.1911 $61.74 |
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Antique Royal Worcester Pearlescent Figurine D $59.99 |
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ANTIQUE ROYAL WORCESTER FLORAL TEA PAT BARGAIN!! $14.99 |
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NICE ANTIQUE ROYAL WORCESTER CUP OR TEA BOWL &SAUCER $47.86 |
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NICE ANTIQUE ROYAL WORCESTER BLUSH IVORY FLOWER VASE $71.79 |
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Antique Royal Worcester Cabinet Plate Gilt Porcelain $169.99 |
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NICE ANTIQUE ROYAL WORCESTER BLUSH IVORY FLOWER VASE $55.58 |
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Antique Royal Worcester Pearlescent Figurine D $169.99 |
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Antique Royal Worcester Porcelain Birds’ Nest Basket $189.99 |
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Antique Royal Worcester Blanc de Chine Leaf Jug Small $139.99 |
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Antique Royal Worcester Toothpick Holder Blanc De Chine $119.99 |
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Antique Royal Worcester Rose Pattern Teapot $339.99 |
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ANTIQUE 1880s ROYAL WORCESTER PORCELAIN EWER W DRAGON $200.00 |
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Antique Royal Worcester Pair Soup Cabinet Plates C $59.99 |
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Royal Worcester 1376 125349 Ball Jug PITCHER ? ANTIQUE $53.00 |
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Royal Worcester Antique Dinner Plate Handpainted $8.98 |
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Antique Royal Worcester Pitcher w Mask Face Spout NR!! $76.55 |
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Antique,1883,Royal Worcester,Aesthetic,Toast Rack $42.25 |
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Antique Royal Worcester Yellow Rose Cabinet Plate $24.99 |
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Antique Royal Worcester Cabinet Plate Yellow Pink Rose $24.99 |
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ROYAL WORCESTER BLUE WILLOW STYLE SAUCER ANTIQUE 1910 $8.77 |
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Antique ROYAL WORCESTER Patricia Egg Coddler Green Mark $24.99 |
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Royal Worcester China Works Pair Dolphin Stands Antique $239.99 |
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Royal Worcester China Works Blush Pot Pouri Antique $149.99 |
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ANTIQUE ROYAL WORCESTER PORCELAIN TEACUP 1893 W5491 $17.99 |
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Antique Royal Worcester Porcelain Cream Soup Cup Saucer $65.00 |
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2 Royal Worcester ANTIQUE CHINA Egg Coddlers NR Dishes $17.99 |
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Antique Worcester Royal China Works Cup Saucer & Plate $109.99 |
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Antique,1883,Royal Worcester,Aesthetic,Cup & Saucer $9.99 |
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Antique,1883,Royal Worcester,Aesthetic,Cup & Saucer $9.99 |
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Antique,1883,Royal Worcester,Aesthetic,Cup & Saucer $9.99 |
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1863 Royal Agricultural Society Worcester Show Yard $47.75 Old Antique Historical Victorian Prints Maps and Historic Fine Art ———-. 1863 Royal Agricultural Society Worcester Show Yard Full Page From The Illustrated London News Dated 1863, An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper Weeks Date As Shown On Top Of Page, The Size Of Each Page Is Approximately 15.5 X 11 Inches (395X280). All Are Genuine Antique Prints And Not Modern Copies, The Illustrated London… |
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Advert Phillips’S Royal Worcester China Mappin Brothers $15.73 Old Antique Historical Victorian Prints Maps and Historic Fine Art ———-. Advert Phillips’S Royal Worcester China Mappin Brothers Page From An Issue 1891 . The Graphic An Illustrated Newspaper . These Wood Engravings From Sketches, Or Early Photographs Would Make An Ideal Gift For Christmas Or Birthday . The Actual Date Is Printed On Each Page . This Engraving Is Over… |
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ANTIQUE PRINT WORCESTER ROYAL PORCELAIN WORKS INDUSTRY $14.75 This plate may be a copper plate, photo etching, steel engraving , woodcut or print. Dates c1790-c1900, date if known in title. The overall scan size is 16 x 12 inches (410 x 310) Size of each plate varies so check against scale shown which is 0.5 inch apart (1.5 cm) to find the size of the plate. Please note these images are BLACK AND WHITE or sepia tones. All are genuine antiques and not moder… |
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The Charlton Standard Catalogue of Royal Worcester Figurines (3rd Edition) $26.96 The third edition has been completely revised with all prices updated to reflect the current market for the coming year. During 1999 and 2000 the Charlton Press published two Royal Worcester price guides, Figurines and Animals, to serve the Worcester collector, believing they represented two different collecting venues. However, two catalogues proved unnecessary, this move simply increased the… |
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Flight and Barr Worcester porcelain, 1783-1840 … |
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Royal Worcester Animals (1st Edition) : The Charlton Standard Catalogue $28.62 This 272-page book has sixteen colour plates illustrating a variety of animal models. The introduction contains topics such as “A Short History of Royal Worcester”, “A Guide to Backstamps and Dating” and information concerning “Where to Buy” and how to join the Royal Worcester Collectors Society. There is also a section covering the Internet and it’s effect on pricing. The guide comes to an e… |
