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How to Look for Old Mikasa China Patterns

The Mikasa company began in 1948 as a china importer and later developed into a dinnerware wholesaler. In 1957, the Mikasa brand was introduced to the American consumer. Currently, the company continues to produce china and has expanded its line to include crystal. Because of Mikasa's long history and popularity, the company has many old and discontinued patterns. Finding one of these older designs is a matter of knowing all you can about the pattern, as well as conducting a search on the Internet and in your own neighborhood.

Instructions

- 1
  Know your pattern. The more information you have about the pattern you wish to collect, the easier your search will be. If you already have an older piece of Mikasa china and you want to collect more, look at the underside to see if a pattern name is printed there. Also, you can study china collectors' guides in order to find the name of your pattern and when it was produced. You will have a hard time finding a book devoted solely to Mikasa china, so look for general pattern guides that include this manufacturer.
- 2
  Contact the company. Search the Mikasa website for your pattern name. If you don't find it in your search, contact the company directly. Mikasa keeps an inventory of older or discontinued patters, as well as hard-to-find pieces.
- 3
  Look for a china replacement service. If the Mikasa company does not have your old pattern, consult a china replacement service, such as Replacements, Ltd. This type of company keeps a large inventory of pieces of older and discontinued china and crystal. Check the website for your piece. If you are still unsure of your Mikasa pattern name, send the company a photo of the pattern via e-mail, fax, or regular mail, and they will help you identify it.
- 4
  Search an online auction site. An Internet auction site such as eBay has a large and quickly changing inventory of china. Search by the Mikasa name and the pattern name. You can also look at completed auction information to see what Mikasa tableware have sold in the past and how much people were willing to pay for different patterns and pieces.
- 5
  Investigate local sources. Because of Mikasa's popularity, even older pieces are often available locally. Go to antique and collectibles stores. Let the owner know about your interest and ask the owner to contact you if a piece comes into inventory. Also, look at flea markets, estate sales and garage sales for people selling individual pieces or whole sets of china.

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