How to Identify China Patterns

Everyone has seen beautiful china patterns in antique stores or at friend's houses. Sometimes, you want to identify what company created the china pattern simply to see if similar ones exist that you may like to find. Other times, you want to complete a set of china by purchasing more of the same pattern. Below are a few ways you can find out who made the china that you admire.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• A piece of the china

1. Turn the piece of china over to see if there is a maker's mark on the back of the item. If there is, most of your work is done. Jot down the information and head to your computer for your research. If you don't find a maker's mark, take your item or a picture of your item with you to assist you in your search.

2. Enter the information into Replacement's Ltd's search guide if your china has a maker's mark on the back. Usually, the first line of the mark will be the manufacturer and the second line will be either where the china was made, the year it was made or the name of the pattern itself.

3. Submit your photo. Some sites, such as Replacements, Ltd, will allow you to send in a picture of your china, and a professional will help you to identify your piece if no labeling is available. The dinner plate is usually the best piece to use when trying to identify the pattern.

4. Search through antique china pattern books. This method can be quite cumbersome. If you have the name of the manufacturer or some idea of when it was made, that information can help you narrow down the search.

5. Take a picture of your china to antique dealers in your area who specialize in china, if all else fails. Many times, they can give you helpful information simply by looking at the picture and are more adept at doing the research, which can save you time.

6. Ask questions. If this is an heirloom piece, ask the person who gave you the china pattern -- or the person who owns it, if you're admiring someone else's china -- if they have any idea who made it or where it came from. Sometimes one little memory can help you immensely in your search.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you find your china pattern, write it down and keep it in a safe place. You want to make sure to have it available if you want to purchase more items of that collection in the future.
• Be wary of anyone selling duplicate pieces of your china. If at all possible, stick with legitimate sources such as Replacements, Ltd. Once you know the normal sales price of the item, you will be able to see if the pricing of the item is a clue to its authenticity. Keep in mind that china you find on sites like eBay may or may not be authentic.

References

• Replacements, Ltd.