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antique english porcelain

Guide to Antique China

Bone china has a large, loyal following. It is collected all over the world according to brand name and pattern. It is hard to believe that the formula and process for this type of porcelain eluded the craftsmen of Europe for hundreds of years.

Spode

Although some pieces of Chinese porcelain were brought to Europe as early as the 13th century, it wasn’t until 1800 that English craftsmen finally cracked the code to begin manufacturing the prized commodity. Earlier attempts resulted in a softer type of ceramic.

One of the first companies to produce comparable porcelain by firing kaolin, feldspar and quartz together at high enough temperatures to make them melt and fuse together, was Chelsea, established around 1745. The antique china produced by this company is highly prized because it was sold in 1769. Other brand names from that time are Bow, Bristol, Worcester and Derby. Derby still manufactures fine china. The antique china from these companies is quite valuable.

Josiah Spode was the first to add bone ash to the mix while attempting to find a less expensive way to make porcelain, and the result was bone china. Although less expensive and easier to make, it is preferred to porcelain because of its translucence, high whiteness and durability. It also takes colors well to produce sought-after patterns both traditional and new. Spode China is still being manufactured and even the modern pieces are very collectible.

Along with Spode, other makers of very collectible bone china of that time are Minton (now a part of Royal Doulton), Davenport, Coalport (now part of Wedgewood), and Worcester which added “Royal” to its name in 1789.

Owning Antique China

Collecting antique china is a great way to acquire beautiful pieces that will increase in value. It is fragile, which adds to its value, but that fact shouldn’t stop you from using it. China, even antique china, can be displayed, used for meals and admired safely. Don’t use antique china in the microwave oven or dish washer. Wash it in soapy water without abrasive soaps or scrubbers. When storing it, use a sheet of paper toweling or other cushion between pieces to avoid chipping, scratching or breaking.

To further your enjoyment, read about your antique china. Learn about the history of the patterns and companies that you collect and, if you like, look for fellow collectors online. Share your interest in forums of like-minded collectors. The most important rule for collectors of antique china is “Enjoy it.”

About the Author

English Pottery and Porcelain Marks $7.43 English Pottery and Porcelain Marks

Antique Trader Pottery & Porcelain Ceramics (Paperback) $22.81 An illustrated guide to pottery and porcelain collectibles features more than 10,200 individual listings covering all the major collectible categories of English, European, Asian, and American ceramics from the 18th century to the late 20th century.

Antique Blue Porcelain I $159.99 Claude Lorraine Antique Blue Porcelain I - Giclee Print

Antique Blue Porcelain II $159.99 Claude Lorraine Antique Blue Porcelain II - Giclee Print

Worcester Porcelain $34.99 English School Worcester Porcelain - Giclee Print

English Antique Ivory Plant Stand $105 English Antique Ivory Plant Stand

English Porcelain $3.88 No Synopsis Available

Classic Traditional 30-Inch Antique English Towel Bar - (In Antique English) $134 Classic Traditional 30-Inch Antique English Towel Bar

English Roses Porcelain Box $24 With the formal elegance of a bygone era, this keepsake oval box is as lovely as it is useful. Crafted of porcelain. 6 1/2"L x 1 1/2"H x 4 1/2"W.

Classic Weave Antique English Matte Soap Dish $72 Classic Weave Antique English Matte Soap Dish

English Ivy Antique Bronze Three-Light Pendant $373 English Ivy Antique Bronze Three-Light Pendant

Nicole Antique English Matte Robe Hook $70 Nicole Antique English Matte Robe Hook

Tuscany Antique English Matte 12-Inch Pull $182 Tuscany Antique English Matte 12-Inch Pull

Tuscany Antique English Matte 18-Inch Pull $277 Tuscany Antique English Matte 18-Inch Pull

Antique Porcelain Boxes $22.46 Organized by country or geographical area, a thorough identification and value guide features hundreds of porcelain boxes and also includes 600 color photos, a guide to markings, an explanation of box-making techniques and information on early snuff, beau

Antique Porcelain French Style Telephone $29.99 Elegant french style porcelain telephone features digital caller ID with service from local phone company. Includes quartz clock and porcelain picture frame.

Porcelain $12.4 Porcelain

Antique English Appliance Pull $204 Accent your cabinets with this appliance pull, finished in antique english. It measures 600mm (approximately 23 31/50 inches) from center to center. Please note that the mounting hardware is not included.

English Porcelain of the Eighteenth Century $27.74 No Synopsis Available

Set of 2 Porcelain Plates in Antique Brown - Grail $110.7 You will receive a total of 2 plates. Dimension: 9.5"W x 9.5"D x 1.5"H Finish: Antique Brown Material: Porcelain Set of 2 Porcelain Plates in Antique Brown - Grail Feathered Majesty Collection Item features grail in detail against a black background. Each grail has different color and pattern. These elegant grails are designed in traditional style. The frame of plates are made of quality porcelain in antique brown finish. These plates are for decorative purposes only.

Art of Worcester Porcelain, 1751-1788 $44.8 Porcelain has been made in Worcester since 1751 and the factory's products are still amongst the most keenly collected English porcelain today. Unlike many other porcelain factories established in Britain from the mid-eighteenth century, Worcester produce

Porcelain Telephone $95 Inspired by fashionable French telephones from the 1920s, ours combines the allure of an antique with contemporary conveniences: tone/pulse dialing, redial, and high/low/off volume control. Porcelain with delicate rose motif and handset with coiled cord. 84" cord. 7 1⁄2" high, with 6 1⁄2"-diam. base.

Classic Weave Antique English 30-Inch Double Towel Bar $197 Classic Weave Antique English 30-Inch Double Towel Bar

Large English Antique Burnished Brass Hexagonal Flush Mount $618 Large English Antique Burnished Brass Hexagonal Flush Mount

Classic Weave Antique English 24-Inch Double Towel Bar $183 Classic Weave Antique English 24-Inch Double Towel Bar

English Ivy Antique Bronze One-Light Table Lamp $281 English Ivy Antique Bronze One-Light Table Lamp

English Ivy Antique Brass Three-Light Billiard Pendant $700 English Ivy Antique Brass Three-Light Billiard Pendant

Antique English Victorian beige porcelain and gilt rimmed