How do I value/sell this china?
January 1, 2025 3:54 PM Subscribe
We are downsizing and the china that my grandmother left us can't make the move. How do I figure out if it is worth selling?
I certainly don't expect this to be a huge windfall, but it is Haviland China from what looks to be 1903-1925 based on the backmarks. I'm pretty sure I've identified the pattern as Schleiger 344C. I have 10-12 plates in a few different sizes, a sugar bowl with lid, a soup tureen with 2 lids, and assorted other items.
Most, thought not all are in good condition with no chipping. I'm a bit unsure though how to even figure out if there's anything in here. I know china isn't exactly a huge market right now, there's a lot of supply and less and less demand, but I hoped being old might mean there's a few hundred bucks in it.
Any one have any ideas on how to value? With the move I do want to figure this out sooner rather than later if possible
I certainly don't expect this to be a huge windfall, but it is Haviland China from what looks to be 1903-1925 based on the backmarks. I'm pretty sure I've identified the pattern as Schleiger 344C. I have 10-12 plates in a few different sizes, a sugar bowl with lid, a soup tureen with 2 lids, and assorted other items.
Most, thought not all are in good condition with no chipping. I'm a bit unsure though how to even figure out if there's anything in here. I know china isn't exactly a huge market right now, there's a lot of supply and less and less demand, but I hoped being old might mean there's a few hundred bucks in it.
Any one have any ideas on how to value? With the move I do want to figure this out sooner rather than later if possible
Best answer: Here's a gift link to an article in today's NYT which focuses on one family's china set through the years, but mentions that basically nobody wants china anymore and it doesn't sell/has basically no value, for the most part.
posted by BlahLaLa at 6:45 PM on January 1 [2 favorites]
posted by BlahLaLa at 6:45 PM on January 1 [2 favorites]
Best answer: Low-effort approach: Take a picture and search in Google lens. If you’re looking at eBay or Facebook, make sure you’re filtering for “Sold”. That may help you understand the range of possibilities. Be prepared to be saddened, though.
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 7:14 PM on January 1 [2 favorites]
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 7:14 PM on January 1 [2 favorites]
Best answer: My parents are antique dealers. Definitely not a few hundred bucks. Selling to Replacements is a good idea if it’s worth your time and cost of packing materials (debatable).
posted by 8603 at 7:20 PM on January 1 [1 favorite]
posted by 8603 at 7:20 PM on January 1 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I'm also an antique dealer: people don't want or use fine china any more, especially if it can't get tossed in the dishwasher. If they DO want fine china, they have deep enough pockets to buy something new. Big boxes of complete matching sets go for $20. Replacements Ltd is probably your best bet for the most money, which will still be not much, or just be willing to take whatever you get for it.
OR -- if I might offer another option: go ahead and use it yourself. Eat every meal off fine china. If you've got 'em make your kids wash the dishes by hand, or just put it in the dishwasher and tempt fate for damage and accept the wear on the details. Make the china do its job and get enjoyment out of it; that's worth more than $20.
posted by AzraelBrown at 6:37 AM on January 2 [25 favorites]
OR -- if I might offer another option: go ahead and use it yourself. Eat every meal off fine china. If you've got 'em make your kids wash the dishes by hand, or just put it in the dishwasher and tempt fate for damage and accept the wear on the details. Make the china do its job and get enjoyment out of it; that's worth more than $20.
posted by AzraelBrown at 6:37 AM on January 2 [25 favorites]
Best answer: Speaking as someone who inherited dishes and uses them every day, the few pieces I have paid for over the years were fun, "completionist" items. So, someone might buy the tureen, especially if it it and the lid are unchipped. I'd list that item in various places and then inquire when someone buys it if they'd want any other pieces you have (for free or some nominal amount, just so you can move them along).
The best answer, though, is go ahead and put it in every day use and accept wear and breakage as part of the deal. It was made to be used!
posted by donnagirl at 9:06 AM on January 2 [2 favorites]
The best answer, though, is go ahead and put it in every day use and accept wear and breakage as part of the deal. It was made to be used!
posted by donnagirl at 9:06 AM on January 2 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: Thanks all, I didn't want to lose out of there was anything there but it seems like there isn't. Appreciate it!
posted by Carillon at 12:19 AM on January 3 [1 favorite]
posted by Carillon at 12:19 AM on January 3 [1 favorite]
« Older Can a local mechanic remove the DEF tank from my... | Recommendations for dental implants in Mexico City... Newer »
You are not logged in, either login or create an account to post comments
The trick with selling on your own is that you have a random assortment of pieces, not enough tote purchased as a set on its own. The only buyers (outside of dealers) will be people looking to complete their set. Unless it is super common or super desirable, it may hard to find buyers who are looking the same time that you are selling. So, I wouldn't expect eBay/Facebook/Craigslist to be very helpful although I admit I haven't tried.
posted by metahawk at 4:42 PM on January 1 [7 favorites]