How to Find the Value of Antique Dishes

One of the most common items people pass down in their family is dishes. Usually these sets are in good condition because they have only been used for special occasions. A complete antique set---or even individual pieces---can sometimes be worth a lot of money. If you want to find the value of your antique dishes, there are many sources you can turn to for value information.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Antiques guides
• Antique dealer/shop

1. Find out the name of the manufacturer and the pattern information. Most antique dishes have a stamp or number on the bottom of each piece. This mark helps identify where and when the set was made. This information is also important for establishing the authenticity of the dishes.

2. Do an Internet search using the pattern information. Many times entering the maker and pattern information on a basic search engine such as Google will productive quick and effective results. Antiquing websites such as Kovels.com or Antique-Antiques.com may have the pricing information. Also, many people use the Internet to sell their antiques. If you find a site with dishes identical to yours, you will be able to get an idea of their value based on the selling price.

3. Look in antique guides. There are many publications available that list the value of various antiques. Two such publications are "Kovel's Antiques and Collectibles Price List" and "Schroeders Antiques Price Guide." If you know the maker of your dishes, you might have better luck looking in a book that deals specifically with that manufacturer.

4. Ask an antique dealer to appraise your dishes. People who have spent their lives buying and selling antiques often have a great deal of knowledge about old dishes. Since they deal directly with the antique market, they might know how much your dishes are worth just by looking at them. If they are not familiar with your pattern, they are sure to have resources available that would allow them to find the value.

5. Visit flea markets and antique shops. You might find a place that is selling dishes identical to yours. You can also get an idea of the worth of your set based on how much other pieces from the same maker or time period are priced.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that many times antiques, including dishes, are only worth what people are willing to pay for them. This means that values can fluctuate according to market demand. The condition of your dishes will greatly affect their worth. Chips and wear can reduce their value quite a bit. Some pieces, such as gravy bowls and butter dishes, may be worth more than plates or bowls because finding these items in good condition is more difficult.
• Avoid using auction websites such as eBay when trying to find the value of your dishes. People who list their pieces on these sites often do so based on what they hope to get for them and not on actual value.

References

• Are my old dishes worth money?

Resources

• Kovels
• Antique Antiques