In search of a crockery maven

October 12, 2009 12:22 PM

I would like to sell some vintage Fiestaware of varying rarity. Are there...crockery brokers? How do I do this without having it as my second job?

Apart from selling it piece by piece on eBay -- which may be the best approach -- how else can I go about selling a bunch of multicolored vintage Fiestaware from the mid-20th century? It's of varying colors (and therefore values, according to my Fiestaware collector's guide), and in generally good condition, but I don't know enough about tableware condition rating and so forth to be sure I'm getting my money's worth. Suggestions or advice?

posted by chesty_a_arthur to grab bag (5 comments total)

Hey -- I see from your profile that you're in Cleveland Heights (I'm on the other side of town! hi!), and I have Cleveland-specific suggestions for you, but for anyone who might reference this in future, my parents had really good luck selling their Fiesta collection on eBay, so don't discount that right off the bat. If you're looking for an auction house, make sure it's someone with a bit of expertise in fine and decorative arts, and not just any old thing...
posted by bitter-girl.com at 12:27 PM on October 12

Thanks - that's super helpful.
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 12:41 PM on October 12

If you have the old orange (sometimes described as radioactive red) stuff that's pretty radioactive due to its uranium content I'd really recommend ebay. You could sell many pieces together, but be sure to note it's the vintage radioactive stuff because that raises the auction prices.

Alternatively, mefimail me, I buy the old orange stuff.
posted by pseudonick at 1:21 PM on October 12

Hi! Hope I can be of some help. First, vintage Fiesta is great and very collectible. The most collectible colors are the radioactive red, ivory and cobalt blue. If you have any of the 50s colors, (gray, pink, etc) these tend to be valuable too. Be careful that what you have is truly vintage--some of the new Fiesta is very hard to tell. Also, condition is PARAMOUNT. It must be free of scratches, nicks, etc. to bring top price. Be careful not to mistake "pin marks" as chips. Fiesta was held by 3 "pins" when the glaze cooked. If you look at your pieces, I'm sure you will see some of these marks. They will be on the underside of the piece. They are not flaws and when you mention these on Ebay, your true collectors will know what they are and they do not detract from the value. Also, don't be worried if some of your pieces are not marked. Many Fiesta pieces were not marked but are easily identifiable by the rings.

Bitter-girl is correct: more original pieces (vases, tumblers, teapots, the syrup piece, etc.) will bring good prices on e-bay depending on color and condition. For items like saucers, bread plates, etc. these are common and you should put them as a lot regardless of color.

You need to decide if you want the most profit or if you want to sell it quickly at a fair price. If you are selling to a dealer, they can only pay half of what it is worth. Any antique store could do this for you. You could put pieces on Craigslist and post NO DEALERS and list at a price closer to book...it will just take longer. Hope this was helpful. Good luck!
posted by hollygirl at 10:16 PM on October 12

Thanks, you guys. I know for sure it is vintage because the chain of custody has been uninterrupted since the 60s, minimally. I do have some of the ivory and some of a golden-rod color (collector's guide is not in front of me), but not the firey extra-radioactive orange unfortunately. When I get my list together I'll memail anyone who has expressed interest.
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 10:18 AM on October 16