Antique dishes: types and nuances of choice

Antique dishes are diverse, beautiful and unusual, as if the spirit of the epoch soars, it reflects the culture of our ancestors. Individual copies are so luxurious that they are recognized as true works of art. Dishes related to antiques are expensive and can only be found from collectors or in special shops selling items with great historical value.

Antique dishes in our days most often get collectors and lovers of antiquity. To avoid confusion, we will immediately define the basic terms.

In accordance with the law of the Russian Federation "On the export and import of cultural property" All items produced more than 50 years ago are considered antiques.. Such products are forbidden to be taken out of the country without special permission even if they are not worth a lot of money.

It is rather a formal term, while for collectors, such a thing as rare thing. Under this category falls such antiques, for which the determining factor is not the time of manufacture, but the historical value - it may be the name of the master, the fame of the first owners, a unique production technology or release in limited quantities.

In the old dishes made from a variety of materials. In Russia, kitchen utensils for many centuries were made from wood, decorating them with paintings, carvings and patterns. Most often to create cutlery used pine, spruce or birch, and the most expensive was considered dishes from the burl.

At the end of the 9th and the beginning of the 10th century pottery was rapidly developing, dishes from clay. It was produced on a potter's wheel in the shape of a cylinder, cone or oval.

From the XII century among the Russian and European nobility began to be popular silverware sets. They were very highly valued, were considered real luxury items and passed down from generation to generation as family jewels. Aristocrats decorated spoons, cups and plates with their own emblems and memorable inscriptions.

Such dishes were varied, for example, each spoon had its own purpose. As a rule, all the items from the table set were decorated with ornate patterns, floral ornaments and figures. Silverware has always been considered a sign of luxury, noble birth, wealth, and invariably testified to the impeccable taste of the owners of the service.

In the pre-revolutionary era, were in circulation copper and bronze kits, but porcelain cutlery was especially appreciated - Now they are “hunted” by collectors in various countries of the world and the cost of such kits is very high.

Vintage is very expensive, some unscrupulous sellers use it, offering fake to inexperienced collectors. To not become a victim of deception, It is necessary to thoroughly study the information on the product offered to you and the features of the era in which it was produced.

• Match the patterns depicted on the dishes with pictures on the Internet. This is especially true for those buyers who do not know the name of the manufacturer of dishes. The fact is that many patterns are the mark of distinction of individual craftsmen, so it is important to make sure that the unique features and designs are identical. For example, in a factory Haviland made dishes with the most delicate floral decors, and at the enterprise Wedgwood the leading theme has always been scenes from the ancient Greek epic or portraits.

• Evaluate the common features of the kit. Vintage service is always more expensive than one item. It is necessary to know that cutlery with a similar pattern is not always part of one set. Therefore, it is very important to pay attention not only to the similarity of forms, patterns and boards, but also to details: for example, identical objects should always be kept in the same color scheme, and the glazed coating should have the same quality.

• Look for the stigma. This is the best way to determine the manufacturer of antique tableware, but it also happens that with time the mark fades and becomes indiscriminate. Nevertheless, you need to look for it - usually marking is placed on the back of the cutlery. As a rule, it is an inscription, stamp or stamp. In order to find out the approximate cost of the kit you offer, you need to find information about similar devices at online auctions.

• Learn the story. In different historical epochs, various ornaments were popular. So, at the beginning of the last century floral patterns with violet and pastel colors were claimed. Almost all cutlery had a curly bezel.

In the 20-40s of the last century, the dishes were different. strict geometry of forms and bright colors. At this time, light beige gold-plated or silver-plated devices came to the fore. In the 40-50s, products of saturated shades of blue, red and green are more common.

In the 50's and 70's enjoyed popularity porcelain with gilded edging. During this period, pastel shades returned to fashion, but they were already more muted than in the prewar period.

All the necessary information about the approximate cost of an old table service can be obtained. in libraries or through information sites on the Internet. But the services of online appraisers should not be used, no matter how attractive the prices for their services may seem. The fact is that for a comprehensive assessment of the cutlery it is not enough to see a photograph, you need to take an object in hand in order to correctly determine its condition. Auction houses are also better off: most likely, they will try to give you a higher price.

It usually takes about a month to evaluate antique dishes. The professional must provide his client with a written report in which the description of the product, an overview of the used methods for determining the cost and the final price are indicated.

In more detail how to distinguish the real Greek porcelain from a fake, you will learn from the following video.