How to Collect Charger Plates

Collect pewter chargers. Pewter is a metal alloy that was first used England in the 11th century by the extremely wealthy. Pewter chargers and other objects are in demand more and more because of their distinct finish and feel. Pewter plates made in America before 1775 are extremely rare and priced as such or safely guarded in a museum. You can buy Pewter chargers from the 1700s made in Europe for starting prices around $375.

Investigate chargers made of china. Consider collecting Chinese charger plates from the country that invented porcelain. Porcelain first arose in the Shang Dynasty, starting in the 16th century BC and a variety of dishes, including chargers, were created. Now of course, anything from this period is going to be found only in a museum, but you can find pieces from the 1600s, such as from the Kangxi period, for prices starting around $1,000.

Add glass charger plates to your collection. Glass chargers, unless extremely rare, are usually less expensive than pewter or porcelain and many of them are exquisitely designed. Walther Glas is a German designer who has created charger plates since the 1900s and a majority of Mikasa products are made by Glas. You can buy a single Glas charger online for a mere $50. Venetian glassware is also lovely addition to any charger collection. Antique glass charger plates made on the island of Murano, Venice start around $400.