Finding the Real Value

Antiques & China Bits & Bobs

How to value antiques, tea sets and old bits & bobs of china in order to make money?....

Hmm.. now that's a question.

The answer is not so difficult as you might think.

You don't have to be one of those senior auctioneer types (you know the ones, they tend to star in the 'Antiques Roadshow' and gush knowledge like bespectacled volcanoes).

Much of the knowledge we need is right here in front of our noses. Just a few online tricks and tips, the odd search here and there, and you can soon be picking up enough knowledge to know a good bargain when you see one.

I hope to give lots of pointers on this website. I have been around the block a bit, having had a website in this niche before Google was invented. However, I am definitely no expert myself..... just enthusiastic, interested and prepared to look, listen and learn (as well as being a sculptor for Royal Worcester, Coalport and Royal Doulton).

If you are itching to have a profitable hobby, read on....


There are two main resources I use to help me gain the knowledge I need. I have tried lots of different online websites and services.

It boils down to two main services which are the best value for money. There others which are good and worth using but they are more expensive pro-rata than the two I use mainly.

The secret is knowing the value antiques & china from the non value antiques & china - to start building up a picture of what is collectible and what is not.

But before that there are two immediate problems to solve.

1. The first is to identify what is in front of you as fast as possible (possibly in order to buy it from that garage sale, the lady down the road or ebay).
2. The second is to know how collectible it is once you have identified it.

You achieve the same results in other ways online, but none of them are as fast or as cheap or in one place. Five minutes on your laptop and you have the answers at your disposal.

If you get stuck on something you just email the database owners who guide you through. You can email them unlimited times if you are a member, but after a while you don't need to, as you know your way around.

Depending on your area of interest, they have 3 different sections for different categories (General Antiques, Silver and China (access from $9.95 USD or £6.50 UK GBP). Many people with general antique interest take advantage of the "Combo" which gives access to all areas.

Go here to access the database and join:

Identify and Value Antiques ....more

Now For the Tricky Bit...

Find out below what it was I used to stop the feeling of being 'overwhelmed' by having to know the information overload on following list:-

1. Know the Best Sources of antique bargains both on and offline - including how best to source from estate sales, classified ads, yellow pages, offline auctions, auction house mailing lists, local antique directories, thrift and resale shops (how to work with the management), buying offline to sell online, buying online to sell online, how to spot fakes, becoming a safe seller and a smart buyer, quick buys easy sells,
2. Buying Perfects. Buying flawed antiques and seconds disguised as perfects is a mistake everybody makes when they start out - especially me! It is so easy to get carried away.
3. Looking for Rarity. Don't be fooled by a Lennox 24KT gold decorated bone china rose bowl with a hand signed certificate from the vice-president. Lennox (a great company) made thousands of them and SUPPLY outstrips DEMAND, making these lovely items worthless. ALWAYS think supply and demand
4. Do You Buy What You Like or what others like?
5. Look for the leading artists (often these people are far from being household names e.g. Worcester's Charles Baldwyn, US furniture maker Gilbert Rohde, Jeweler Alphonse Fouquet, Pueblo pot artisan Rose Gonzales, and the list goes on...)
6. Look At Historical Events. Does an item reflect a historical era or significant event?
7. Proof of Authenticity always helps value (failing that a detailed receipt).
8. Look For Peoples' Foibles. Some people like trains, some like beer steins, some like frogs, some like dogs, some like elephants, some like angels. How to take advantage?

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