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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Gorgeous Antique Royal Worcester Pink Gold Flowers Ewer $199.99 |
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Antique ROYAL WORCESTER HAND-PAINTED PLATE Excellent $33.00 |
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ANTIQUE ROYAL WORCESTER BONE CHINA SET $12.00 |
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RARE ANTIQUE ROYAL WORCESTER PHEASANT SHAKER SIGNED $84.95 |
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Antique Royal Worcester Tea Cup & Saucer 1888 Z Mark $34.95 |
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Antique Royal Worcester Egg Coddler in Orginal Box $9.99 |
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Antique Royal Worcester Blush Ivory Rib Bowl w/Flowers $55.00 |
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ANTIQUE ROYAL WORCESTER H/PTD IVORY PITCHER DRAGON HAND $695.00 |
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Antique 14pc Royal Worcester Dinner Service c1870 SALE $1,650.00 |
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ANTIQUE ROYAL WORCESTER FLORAL & GOLD PLATE CIRCA 1888 $28.00 |
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ANTIQUE ROYAL WORCESTER IMARI PORCELAIN PLATE C.1882 $15.42 |
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Antique ROYAL WORCESTER Palissy England 3-Piece Ale Set $22.00 |
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ANTIQUE 1885 ROYAL WORCESTER FLORAL / BUTTERFLY PLATES $89.99 |
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Antique ROYAL WORCESTER Porcelain Flowers Jardiniere $39.99 |
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Demi TEACUP China Antique Vintage ROYAL WORCESTER $2.99 |
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ANTIQUE ROYAL WORCESTER PLATE $9.99 |
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Antique Royal Worcester HP Dessert Plates: E Phillips! $1,095.00 |
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ANTIQUE ROYAL WORCESTER BLUE & WHITE PLATE – 1899 $9.26 |
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ANTIQUE 1890S ROYAL WORCESTER PORCELAIN 9” FLORAL VASE $220.00 |
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Royal Worcester Salamander 19th C. Antique Ewer Pitcher $949.00 |
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4 ANTIQUE ROYAL WORCESTER 8153 DEMI TEACUP GOLD CRUSTED $29.99 |
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ANTIQUE ROYAL WORCESTER PALISSY WINDMILL PLATE $14.00 |
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Rare Antique Royal Worcester Porcelain Cabinet Plate NR $99.00 |
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An antique Royal Worcester hand painted coffee cup 1901 $1.53 |
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Antique Royal Worcester porcelain flower vase # 05436 $715.00 |
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3 Antique Royal Worcester English China Nesting Bowls $49.99 |
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Antique Royal Worcester Abstract Cup Gravy Boat B878 $19.99 |
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Antique Royal Worcester Abstract Bowls ca: 1882 B878 $49.99 |
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Antique Royal Worcester Abstract Plates ca: 1882 B878 $49.99 |
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Antique Royal Worcester Abstract Saucers ca: 1882 B878 $29.99 |
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ANTIQUE VICTORIAN WORCESTER SAUCER – C1862 – ROYAL LILY $12.99 |
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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 Blush Ivory Bud Vase c1910 $123.50 |
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antique hand painted royal worcester plate c1903 $1.53 |
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GOOD ANTIQUE ROYAL WORCESTER BLUSH IVORY MOULDED VASE $16.21 |
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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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French & Other Furniture … Important Collection of Royal Worcester Porcelain Birds & Flower Statuettes By Dorothy Doughty, Porcelain Birds By Edward Marshall Boehm [Parke-Bernet Auction; Nov. 11, 1967; Sale #2615] 44 pages; Lots 1-173. Lots 1-22 modeled by Doughty with 3 illustrated; Lots 23-37 modeled by Boehm with Reese Palley’s catalogue #’s included, most illustrated. All illustrations in b/w. Various owners mentioned, including the estate of the late Herbert H. Childs…. |
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Royal Worcester Animals (1st Edition) : The Charlton Standard Catalogue $28.61 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… |
