Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.