How to Select Antique Pottery

Antique pottery comes in three main forms. Earthenware, stoneware and porcelain. Each type has its own individual characteristics and some antique pieces are highly prized especially if the manufacturer is no longer in production.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Money
• Expert help
• Keen eyes to spot a fake
• Magnifying glass

Determine Authenticity of Antique Pottery

1. Ask an expert. Bring the piece to a trusted dealer or pottery expert who can help you determine authenticity.
2. Inspect the edges of the pottery. Often, fake antique pottery is created using a mold which produces rounded edges instead of clean edges.
3. Beware of color. Gaudy, bright or unusual color can indicate a fake as with Majolica pottery which is handcrafted using only subtle tones.
4. Bring a magnifying glass when you look at pottery claimed to be an antique. Small flaws that reveal mass production are often revealed when you get a more detailed look at the piece.
5. Ask the seller detailed questions about the piece. The seller should know the manufacturer's name, year of production, number in the series and method of creation for each antique piece.

Select Antique Pottery

6. Work with a trusted art dealer. These experts have highly trained eyes and can secure a lovely piece of authentic antique pottery for you.
7. Browse antique stores. Stick to those with a good long-standing reputation.
8. Decide if you want individual pieces versus an entire collection. Intact antique collections are often more challenging to locate while individual pieces cost less and are easier to come by.
9. Look at the condition of the piece. The price is affected by its condition so check to be sure that you are satisfied with the integrity of the color, glaze, texture and durability.
10. Locate the mark on a piece of antique pottery. The mark, or signature of the creator, both identifies and dates the piece as an antique.
11. Visit an auction. Estate auctions can be quite fruitful for buyers looking to select antique pottery. Often, complete sets are for sale.
12. Pick pieces that hold a special meaning for you. For instance, you can buy antique pieces that complete a family heirloom collection or simply opt for things that move you.
13. Know some of the major names of manufacturers. Wedgewood, Willow Ware, Beswick, Dresden, Haviland China and Lenox are common.

Tips & Warnings

• Never select antique pottery on a whim. It's best to spend some time studying the type of piece you want and placing an interesting item on hold rather than impulsively buying it.