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How to Identify Dishware Patterns

If you have just inherited a set of vintage dishware from your grandmother or found some beautiful dishes at a flea market, you may be interested in finding out more about them. Many older china patterns are of value and should be treated with care. You don't want to accidentally corrode or scratch the patterns on valuable pieces. Identifying dishware patterns ranges from very simple to nearly impossible. Not all artists leave marks on their work and not all patterns are documented. However, with patience, and possibly professional help, most patterns can be identified.

Things You'll Need

Patterned dishware
Magnifying glass
Scanner
Camera
Computer

Instructions

Easy to Find Patterns
- 1
  Turn over a large plate or bowl. Artists who sign their work will leave a mark and a number on the back. Taylor Smith and Taylor surrounded their names with laurel leaves, while Homer Laughlin used his name with a monogram above it.
- 2
  Copy down the artist's name and the number of the piece, located below the artist's mark. Use the Match Your China Dinnerware link in Resources to find the artist's name and the piece's number.
- 3
  Write down or print out the information for your piece. Store the dishware in a china cabinet or in airtight plastic containers with padding between them. Store the information with the set.
Rarer Patterns
- 4
  Take a picture of the front and back of a plate or bowl. These pieces have the most amount of pattern on them and will be the easiest to identify. The pictures can be sent to a professional with more resources and knowlege than you may have.
- 5
  Make sure your pictures are clear and in focus. A professional antique dealer will need all the information he or she can get. Take a few close-up pictures of sections of the patterns and any symbols you find pressed into the back of any of the pieces.
- 6
  Scan your photos into your computer and set them as attachments in an email to the professionals at the Pattern Identification Instructions or Identify Your China Patterns links.

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