Antique Collection: Vintage Plates and Dishware

Have you ever been to a house with a full display of vintage plates and dishware and wondered why they put it as part of their memorabilia? People collect various objects as part of their love for rare and beautiful dishware. After all, dishware reflects your personal taste and style. They can be used as a great conversation starter or a source of inspiration.

The Origins of Collecting Antique Dishware

Dishware and plates have existed worldwide for centuries. They have been used for various purposes, including food and beverage serving, as well as decorations. In the past, people used them to display wealth and power.

Nowadays, dishware and plates are still used for those same purposes. However, they have also become more affordable so everyone can enjoy them. Whether you are looking for an elegant plate to serve dinner on or a gorgeous platter to place on your kitchen display, there is a dishware option for you.

How to Recognise and Assess Dishware

If you're keen on adding dishware to your memorabilia, you must remember a few things. First, you can easily find antique plates and dishware in flea markets. Moreover, you can buy them at a cheap cost. However, you still need to be careful in choosing the right ones. Here are some tips you can use.

1. Back Stamps on the Bottom of the Plate

Most vintage plates made before 1899 are pressed into the surface, so uniform patterns can be seen on both sides of the container. You can see on this plate that the mark is stamped into the dish. Plates made after 1899 will have their back stamps in the glaze; you can only see it when you hold the plate to the light.

2. The Word “Trademark”

If there is an indicated "trademark" word on an English dish plate, it means it was manufactured in 1855. On the other hand, if it contains "LTD," it means it was manufactured from 1905 onwards. English dish plates with the indicated trademark word were mass-produced during the Victorian era and are now considered collector's items.

3. The Date on the Dishware

The indicated date on dishware may refer to the introduction of a pattern rather than the date the particular item was made. For example, manufacturers introduced a design in 1930, but they could have produced an item made from that pattern at any time after that date.

4. Country or State of Origin

It's often prevalent in antique plates that they don't have the country or origin of the container. If this is the case, manufacturers made it in 1891. This is because the original area was not printed on plates until 1891. It wasn't until the McKinley Tariff Act mandated all imported items to display the country of origin.

Final Thoughts

There are many aspects to deal with when collecting antique plates and dishware for your memorabilia. But constantly research so you can avoid purchasing fake or reproduction items. Furthermore, you should consider the condition of the pieces you are interested in and their rarity and desirability. By examining these factors, you can start building a collection of beautiful and valuable antique plates and dishware.

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