Asked on Nov 03, 2016

How do you tell the value in old china dishes?

I have an 80 year old set of Noritake china dishes that were my Mother's. We are downsizing so I am thinking of selling them but am not sure who to trust. I've looked on Replacements.com but I think I need an antique dealer? I would also love advice on how to store china to make sure they are kept safe.

  71 answers
  • William William on Nov 03, 2016
    I sell a lot of items on Ebay! I do extensive research on everything I sell. I start with a Google search and check out specific sites. Then I check out Google Photos and see if I can find the exact item or similar, click on the photos and go to the sites. Finally I check what other sellers are selling the item or similar on Ebay. I have used Replacements.com, but don't rely on their prices. They are a reseller and will low ball you if you are selling. I had a brown English transferware plate they had offered to purchase at $19, I sold it on Ebay for $87. My experience, Etsy prices are way out there. I also have bookmarked websites that offer free appraisals that neither buy nor sell items making them impartial and more credible. If you will be selling a lot of different items, like an estate sale, then I would suggest an appraiser. You need to realize an appraiser will charge for the appraisal and sometimes the appraisal can be more than the item is worth. If you have any question, just reply to my answer. Hope this helps. Good luck.
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    • Mardell Hickson Mardell Hickson on Aug 13, 2019

      I have a lot of antique dishes I would like to sell. Including full sets of colonial couples, blue willow from Japan and occupied Japan. Plus a lot of milk glass pieces. 8 am in Helena, MT. Any ßuggestions?

    • Anne Fitzpatrick Anne Fitzpatrick on Nov 03, 2016
      Thank you Tracy. I see that Replacements is the first site Noritake reccomends. Since I want to sell the whole set I don't know if they would help but I'll look further into it. I love these dishes and hate to part with them but am moving into a much smaller apartment. Thanks for your quick and helpful reply!
  • Lin8483367 Lin8483367 on Nov 03, 2016
    Sometimes after research you can list on Craigs list & sell quickly & then u don't have to worry about shipping it & breakage for ebay . If not just be sure you pack well & insulate before shipping & be sure to charge extra for shipping that much weight !
  • Johnchip Johnchip on Nov 03, 2016
    Your best bet is Craig's list or a consignment shop. Do not hope for much, no matter how pretty. old china does not sell well anymore, unless extremely rare antique quality. List cost is noted often by replacment costs but no one gets that in resale. Bottom line is someone has to want it who does not have it. And in this economy who wants old china? Our age already inherited enough of it, and mileniums want new. May make for a better value as a wedding gift.
  • William William on Nov 03, 2016
    I don't like Craigslist. I and people I know had bad experiences and seems like a sketchy site for sketchy people. My opinion.
  • Marlo Jacobs Marlo Jacobs on Nov 03, 2016
    Well I didn't have an answer to this question, I was curious about what options are available for China appraisals. My husband is going to be transitioned his into a memory care unit for dementia care and she has numerous sets of china, glassware etc...I told him that a lot of pieces may be quite valuable and should be appraised but properly inventoried and stored and only sold if their value would help cover any of care costs. I agree with thought holding onto them if possible to hand down to another relative who can appreciate their beauty along with the value. We have four children 22-28yrs and they would actually appreciate receiving various items. A great wedding gift for the oldest grandson & his future wife once they are married next year, our other son & both daughter also expressed interest in certain parts of her collection. Thank you hometalkers , your wisdom and advice on this question has certainly helped me. Anne I hope you can find a solution to resolve your dilemma of selling or passing them to other family members. Maybe you can ask a trusted family member to possible store the set for you for a while (1-2yrs possibly) to allow yourself time to get settled in your new space and maybe you'll find room or a another family member might decide to take them. I have my grandmothers set of Noritake China for almost 27yrs and managed to keep the set intact through multiple moves over the years. Sometimes it just stayed boxed up and stored and other times we enjoyed starting our family holiday meal traditions using Grandma's China. Currently it is boxed & stored until we can settle into a new place.
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    • Marlo Jacobs Marlo Jacobs on Nov 04, 2016
      Anne it sounds like a great idea to keep some place settings & store the remainder at your nieces. I'm sure in time the entire set will find a new home with a loved one who can fully appreciate such a beautiful set on China!
  • Jeng  Alamares Jeng Alamares on Nov 04, 2016
    i remeber my mom had a set of those. it was her wedding present. those gold lined dishes cant be found any more so i guess for me its precious. how about passing it on to a brother or sister
  • Barbara Barbara on Nov 04, 2016
    I've never sold on ebay but I think there is a way to set a reserve price for your item.
  • Barbara Barbara on Nov 04, 2016
    replacements.com used to buy dishes like you have. They don't do that any longer. That should tell you something about the market for used dishes, no matter the make and pattern unless perhaps 400 years old. I have my mother's set as well - used maybe once a year. People don't live like that anymore I guess.
  • Christine Gasser Christine Gasser on Nov 04, 2016
    I found my china on eBay, I sent a picture to replacements to replacements.com and they told me the name of the pattern. I googled the name and have bought a few additional pieces from replacements. Once you have to name the pattern, you can find out how rare it is with additional research. Mine was pretty rare since the storage building holding the new pattern was bombed and only a few were sold before the war -they never made it again, so I buy what I need when I see it. I bought the whole set on eBay for $250 but to replace each piece, it would cost me over $2,000.
  • Janet Borden Janet Borden on Nov 04, 2016
    I would search ebay for completed sales prices first. If you decide to list on ebay, include in your listing, clear pictures, a list of all pieces included in the set, measurements of each size piece. I am an antique dealer and have seen prices for most antiques plummet in price in recent years. If you do try to sell these, I don't think you will be able to get much for these, even if they are in perfect shape. The reason for this is simply, yound people nowadays just don't want china that you use a few times a year. They want china you can use everyday. And they want dishes you can use in a microwave. Lastly, if you are emotionally attached to these dishes and have a personal history with them, keep them, if not donate them, so that someone else can enjoy them.
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    • Janet Borden Janet Borden on Nov 04, 2016
      I would not trust that person. Look for auctioneers in your area. Ask them if they can recommend an appraiser. Some auctioneers might even have a time setcup to do appraisals themselves. You can consign items with an auctioneer. When it sells you get some of the money and the auctioneer gets their cut. That could be anywhere between 20 to 50% of the sale price. Appraisers will charge you for their services too. Good luck.
  • Deb Deb on Nov 04, 2016
    If dishes have a date and company name embossed on the back or bottom of them, this will help. Collectors look for dated items.
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    • Anne Fitzpatrick Anne Fitzpatrick on Nov 04, 2016
      There's a code number along with Noritake Lanare imprinted on the bottom. I've never notice dates on any dishes either.
  • P.a7260485 P.a7260485 on Nov 04, 2016
    Good morning. Why would u want to sell your mother china? I have Blue Willow with 14k gold around the plates and use them for hoildays. I won't sell them. Just google it..
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    • StefanieB StefanieB on Nov 04, 2016
      It's really nobody's business why you want to sell your own property. :) Ignore the naysayers.
  • Porland1624 Porland1624 on Nov 04, 2016
    By the seal in the back of the plate put this in your computer and do reserch
  • P.m7945585 P.m7945585 on Nov 04, 2016
    I googled the pattern number or information on the back of the plate on google images. It took a bit to find it but I did. The site it came from was an antique dealer in Canada. She was very helpful giving me all kinds of information on the dishes as well as the history of the set
  • Terri Farina Terri Farina on Nov 04, 2016
    Contact Room to Spare on Transit Road (near Millersport Highway), Amherst, NY. They also sell stuff for you on ebay and amazon. The plates and bowls are not worth much since the market is flooded with china because of the same reason you are looking to get rid of. The parts that have any money value are the serving parts (gravy boat, butter dish, platter)These are the parts that people want to complete the sets they have. Or better yet scrap your walmart dishes and use the china for your every day dishes. At least you get to look at realy nice plates on a daily basis.
  • LFM LFM on Nov 04, 2016
    Replacements LTD online sells china and crystal. You should be able to get a sense of the value of your set there.
  • Karen McKnight McDonald Karen McKnight McDonald on Nov 04, 2016
    I don't know if you would be interested in this, but if you're going to end up donating them or getting very little from them, you might like this. My aunt (late 70's with limited space) kept one or two plates and/or bowls from each set to keep. When we eat at her house, she might use one for a dessert plate or have fruit on one. She has a small bowl in her bathroom to hold her watch and rings at night. That way she has the memories but not the whole set. Maybe your kids would even like a couple of pieces to use like that? I would love to have a couple of my mom's china but definitely not the whole set.
    • That is what I did, I had mountains of stuff and keeping a few pieces here and there was good enough for me - sold the rest at an antique auction for a tidy sum - but I had a lot of stuff and it was old, very old.
  • Sue Braun Sue Braun on Nov 04, 2016
    Replacements Ltd in NC has almost every pattern of china there is. Look them up online and see what each piece is worth and then add it up.
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    • Sue Braun Sue Braun on Nov 04, 2016
      StefanieB-I do agree that they are expensive. My bone china that is 5 generations old could not be found anywhere else and I did have to replace a few pieces. Ebay also has some old patterns, but they do tend to bring the price down.
  • Kim Salmi Kim Salmi on Nov 04, 2016
    The only tip I can relay is to look whether or not they say made in NIPPON or Japan on them ...Nippon is the really old term for Japanese made dishware( and many other items ) ..used long before they started actually labeling items Japan ...Nippon would be of more interest to collectors since its rarer to find ...they are very beautiful ...I hope they find a good home ...or as one person suggested ..just use them as your every day dishes and enjoy them yourself ..: )
  • Stephanie corley Stephanie corley on Nov 04, 2016
    I always check Ebay to determine a range of prices. They are lovely! I would sell them at an antique shop on consignment before sending them to a second hand or thrift shop. If the shop will put it in an area that will display well and customer are expecting to pay a little more.
  • Sue Kiene Sue Kiene on Nov 04, 2016
    I like what the person who said use it as your every day dishes said. That and using it in place of other things like a coin dish, something in the bathroom. Sadly fine china etc is not considered a big thing today. I have my mothers and I am really glad that my dad gave it to me.
  • Pamela Wilson Pamela Wilson on Nov 04, 2016
    I have a 96 piece Noritake Wheat pattern trimmed in gold made in Japan appromiate 54 or 55 The offer I received was minute
  • Cheri johnson Cheri johnson on Nov 04, 2016
    Go to Replacements Unlimited. You'll at least find replacement value.
    • StefanieB StefanieB on Nov 04, 2016
      Replacement value of one of my mother's dinner plates is $35. Replacements Ltd offered me $3 per plate, then I'd have to pay to ship it to them. Nope.
  • Lyn Buerger Lyn Buerger on Nov 04, 2016
    Pretend you are trying to buy this same set. If you can find them you will get a good idea at the retail value of your item. Know that when you sell you can expect less than 1/2 of that amount. Then you will know if you want to let them go or keep. EBay is a good place to so some pricing. I often check eBay when I am thinking about bidding on an item I want to buy for resale. Just because I think it is beautiful does not mean it has any resale value.
  • Lol12681170 Lol12681170 on Nov 04, 2016
    What about Haviland over 100yrs old? I have around 10 place settings plus all the serving pieces! White with gold trim. And what about sterling silver silverware?
  • Carol Carol on Nov 04, 2016
    Their value is actually just sentimental. Selling a few pieces (serving items etc.) will destroy usefulness of your set. Use it yourself, store some parts at a relative, maybe package in sets of 4 (I presume you have a set of 12). Then a box of serving pieces. HANDWRITE a note, telling whose china it was, etc. and YOUR MEMORIES of it. That by itself will be as valuable as the china, to a later family member. I just sold some dishes for nothing $, breaks my heart, did NOT tell my mom the sale value. No one wants it, cannot microwave with it. Needs really to be handwashed to protect metal edging. I feel your pain. I just sold my mom's wedding china. I never saw it when I was growing up, because during WWII the givers could not get (afford?) the dinner plates, so it was a luncheon set. I would have LOVED it as a wedding present in 1973. I finally saw it 20 years ago, bought a few dinner plates from Replacements, just so I could use it. No sales value as a set, in my opinion.
  • DelorisSchlickbernd DelorisSchlickbernd on Nov 04, 2016
    You can also go to silverware dot com
  • Sophia,M.,McConnery Sophia,M.,McConnery on Nov 04, 2016
    The most helpful is Antiques Road Show site.You do have to wait a long time for an answer though.The other option is your local newspaper.If they have the antiques section either talk to the person or e mail them.
  • Pat Pat on Nov 04, 2016
    My son recently checked with Replacements.com. About 45 years ago my china cost $25.00 a plate....Replacements weren't interested in buying it all....just a piece or two and at a very low price. My DDIL loved it so gave it to my son and her....was very elegant looking and I did't use it. Even gave them some silver...didn't want to polish it all the time...bowls...platters.
  • Ess9894939 Ess9894939 on Nov 04, 2016
    Easiest way - go to eBay and check the pattern. Then 'check' the box on the left called 'sold'. This will let you know what other people have paid.
  • Minuet Minuet on Nov 04, 2016
    Check the prices on Ebay for the same china. Also, see if it makes more sense to sell it all as 1 lot or break it up into multiple lots. I have picked up a few missing pieces from my vintage English set on Ebay, and I know a lot of china is sold there.
  • B J  Alexis B J Alexis on Nov 04, 2016
    Have to agree with the sentimental value, I have at least 3 formal sets from decades ago as does my neighbor and several friends. These types of sets cannot be put in a microwave or in a dish washer, therefore few people are interested in them. Unfortunately I'm afraid we are saddled with them unless one wants to re-purpose them as decorations, they really don't serve much of a purpose
  • Ann Smith Ann Smith on Nov 04, 2016
    So true...I am an antiques dealer. The market has plummeted.
  • Helen Helen on Nov 04, 2016
    TRY searching on the internet for dealers ' quotes. It's what I did many years ago I hate to say it, but I never sold them. I've been fortunate in that the Noritake pattern is from 1960 and I'm able to gift them to a grandson and his new bride.
  • StefanieB StefanieB on Nov 04, 2016
    Dealers will offer you pennies on the dollar they sell them for. They're pretty much worthless, money-wise. I have my mother's china and nobody wants it (I don't want it either).
  • Barbara Barbara on Nov 04, 2016
    Replacements, Ltd will give you an idea, but only a fraction if the cost if you want to sell.
    • Job10937155 Job10937155 on Nov 04, 2016
      Barbara, I am 86 years old and I do not use these special dishes anymore.. someone would probably like to have them but I dont know how to price them or sell them.. I have syracuse carvel. Thanks Joburch.nc@gmail.com
  • Maria Maria on Nov 04, 2016
    Googol the china pattern and brand ask question what is china worth also go to replacements web site and see. What the replacement cost is
  • IFortuna IFortuna on Nov 04, 2016
    These are worth what anyone is willing to pay. Definitely, I would not go with a dealer. There are people like myself who pay good money for china or those things which we fall in love with. This is a beautiful set and I would look to Replacements.com for values and then deduct a certain percent because they are marked up for retail sales. If listed on eBay you can usually keep it listed without paying extra, I think. I believe you will find a buyer and get your price. People are still looking for nice china even though some say the market has plummeted. Th economy is good some places as in our state. Best of luck. : )
  • P.a7260485 P.a7260485 on Nov 04, 2016
    I understand. I had the same problem. My grown up three sons don't want them either. And i don't wanted to sell them. I only use them for holidays. I gave them to my best friend and has a big ffamily. But use them for holidays. Don't you have any friends that would like to buy them. Like u said down size them. Or take a some pieces with u to an antique store. What is the name of your china. Maybe i can help. Patricia
    • Anne Fitzpatrick Anne Fitzpatrick on Nov 05, 2016
      It is Noritake Lanare. I know it is over 80 yrs old because is was a wedding gift to my Mom from her Mother.
  • Cur5181835 Cur5181835 on Nov 04, 2016
    Unfortunately, our society has turned so casual that china and crystal are no longer things that people 'have to have'. You won't be able to get what they SHOULD be worth. Even selling them on Craigslist, or in a garage or estate sale, chances are they'll only sell for $50-100 - if you're lucky. Local newspaper ads MIGHT be helpful - but only for collectors or dealers looking for a bargain. I have a $1200 cut crystal punch bowl and 12 cups, but no one wants to offer even $100 for it. People only bring these things out at Christmas parties now - and the rest of the time, keep them in storage - and probably wish they could sell them. Sorry to say - fine china, crystal wine glasses and serving dishes, as well as older patterns of sterling, are considered 'old fashioned' by many younger people now. Gracious living has become sticking a weinie on a stick and roasting it around a campfire. Oh, for the 'elegant' days of yore! ;D
  • Theresa Dorman Bailey Theresa Dorman Bailey on Nov 04, 2016
    I could not sell my china. I donated them to Wellsprings in Duluth GA that supports a battered women's shelter. I tried to do Craigslist and no consignment shop wanted the dishes either. They were very pretty, so it wasn't that no one liked them. Just no one WANTS them anymore. Replacements ltd is great, but you have to get the dishes to them for them to purchase them from you. And that is if they don't already have hundreds of pieces from the same pattern. No granddaughter to give them too???
  • Barbara Rigot Barbara Rigot on Nov 04, 2016
    I agree with those that said no one uses formal china anymore. I understand brides don't even register for it anymore. I also have 2 sets of Noritake china which my Dad shipped to me and my Mom directly from Japan when he was stationed there in 1960. None of my 4 granddaughters are interested. Mine are a very classic pattern which would still be considered "in style". When ready, as a last resort, I think I will donate to a women's shelter as someone else suggested.
  • Suzie Williams Suzie Williams on Nov 04, 2016
    When we did an estate sale of my parents things we looked on eBay to set the prices. If you look at "sold" not listed, you will get a good idea of the value.
  • Lendy Counts Lendy Counts on Nov 04, 2016
    Check with Replacements, Ltd. , they are a China replacement company.
  • Nancy Nancy on Nov 04, 2016
    I am an antique dealer, Old China sets are very difficult to sell. Most younger buyers are not interested in old patterns. Your best bet is Replacements.com. Do not expect too much. But they are in touch with buyers who are looking for particular old patterns to complete their own inherited sets. Good luck.
  • Honey Donegan Honey Donegan on Nov 04, 2016
    Replacements, Ltd are located in the USA, North Carolina. They buy and sell china, crystal and odd pieces. My experience with Replacements, Ltd. has been extremely positive over the past 15+ years. Obviously, their buying price is lower than a selling price or they would not be in business.
  • Barbara Barbara on Nov 04, 2016
    You can check out www.replacements.com for contact info about selling your china. It is my understanding that they are very particular about shipping, unless you are close by in NC and can drop them off at their facility. Good luck!
  • Charlene Charlene on Nov 04, 2016
    Sorry just want to comment. Your China is beautiful.
  • Candy Candy on Nov 04, 2016
    Get the amount they are worth and I would sell on eBay. China sets sell well there. Don't go with the replacements.com exact price, but it gives you an idea.
  • Rik9430357 Rik9430357 on Nov 04, 2016
    If you google Noritaki then find your design, it will give you an idea of its worth.
  • Linda Rutherford Linda Rutherford on Nov 04, 2016
    Some local antique shops offer appraisals either free, or at a reasonable price. Local shops also will buy antiques; however, you must keep in mind it will be somewhat lower than the actual value (they have to make a profit). If you decide to sell on Ebay, remember you will have to ship to the buyer and dishes are heavy and postal insurance is recommended. You will have to estimate the shipping cost (difficult to do as you don't know who the buyer will be and where you will be shipping the set to). If you don't estimate shipping charges accurately, you may lose money. Also, some local groups do a fundraiser based on the PBS Show Antiques Road Show, and will offer appraisals.
  • Bla7612558 Bla7612558 on Nov 04, 2016
    Can't believe it, I have the same set! My mom got it for me from a neighbor that was moving. Know it's very old. Love the little creamer. Good luck with your research.
  • Cathy carter Cathy carter on Nov 04, 2016
    Search eBay for antique Noritake China and you will probably find something similar and how much it's selling for
  • Arlene claire Arlene claire on Nov 04, 2016
    The prices listed by Replacements are usually at the high end, give you a value. Your best bet is a local dealer, or resale store. A full set has greater value than odd pieces. Someone with a similar set might want them. Linda is correct about shipping. Replacements will buy them, but you ship it, then they determine value😔. Look for a local resale shop that will take a percentage of the sale price. It's a shame a family member does not want them. My set was my grandmother's. The Noritake factory will NOT have records of patterns from before WWII.
  • Joyce Joyce on Nov 05, 2016
    Know the brand you are looking for. If it's a replica it will have An additional line or shadow or pattern. Study antique dishes and the way the look on line if you've never bought any
    • Sal5459593 Sal5459593 on Dec 01, 2016

      Joyce, I'm sorry I didn't understand about the line or shadow. Exactly where would it be located? Thanks, Sallie

  • Anne Fitzpatrick Anne Fitzpatrick on Nov 05, 2016
    I just want to thank all of you who took the time to answer me. I never expected to get so many answers! Thanks again for all your advice!
  • Charlene Charlene on Nov 05, 2016
    Anne, if you decide on a price could you contact me ? I would also like to know the size and content of the set. cafferina@hotmail.com. Thanks
  • Lee Lee on Nov 06, 2016
    If you give them to me I will tell you what they are worth. LOL just kiding
  • Linda Bryant Linda Bryant on Nov 07, 2016
    replacements ltd. will buy them, send a photo and description.
  • Fanny Fanny on Nov 27, 2016

    They do not pay you for anything you may wish to sell to them, but they do charge you quite

    a price if you are looking to buy anything . I think you would be more successful at a small

    antique.


    • See 1 previous
    • Kamilla Friedlander Kamilla Friedlander on Feb 05, 2020

      Hi Anne, I would love to take them if you still have them?

  • Angela Cordero Angela Cordero on Jan 13, 2017

    Don't you have a friend or family member that would treasure these?? I inherited my mom's set just like yours minus the sculpted plates... I love my set.. Please think about someone you know before you just give away. Smiles and blessings!

  • Pat Pat on Jan 14, 2017

    When I found out Replacements would give me very little for my platinum, charcoal expensive dishes, my daughter-in-law saw them and really wanted them...so gave them to her. The dishes were at least 60 years old.

    • See 1 previous
    • Kamilla Friedlander Kamilla Friedlander on Feb 05, 2020

      Hi Anne, I would love them if you still have them?

  • Joann Joann on Jan 15, 2017

    Put them in your will! By the time it is effective, your family may, well have changed in viewpoint. Be sure to include the pieces in storage and the ones you have to use.

  • Ann S. Ann S. on Oct 18, 2018

    Just answering this query as I believe I may have the same pattern....Noritake, Ramona, #6504, right? I started trying to unload a remaining 83 of an original 120 pieces some years ago, but I was put off my the astronomical shipping costs from the West coast to the East coast. I wish I had done so then, as the sale of any kind of China, other than prized 18th century one of a kind items is almost null and void. I am learning that eBay, Hallmark, quick and disposable mindsets have contributed to the appreciation and demise of the use of fine china. Good Luck. I think I will pursue the donation route.


    • Anne Fitzpatrick Anne Fitzpatrick on Oct 18, 2018

      Mine are Noritake Lanare. I still have not unpacked the small set I put aside for myself and the rest are in storage. It's such a beautiful set. Good luck with yours and thanks for answering!

  • Kamilla Friedlander Kamilla Friedlander on Feb 05, 2020

    Hi Anne, my mother's china was thrown out when she died and I have always wanted a nice set for entertaining. Please let me know if you'd still like to see these go to a good home? I am a millenial with inherited good taste and will treasure them :)

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jun 06, 2021

    Hi,

    Look up Noritake patterns to find date and design. Then contact a Ceramics Dealer or two for a comparison value! Or maybe a Auction House can help!

  • Deb K Deb K on Oct 05, 2023

    Hello, to store them you can wrap them in newspaper and put them into rubber made bins.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Feb 28, 2024

    Kitchen roll between each item. Store packed with Newspaper, but that will mean it will need washing before use. Try China Experts or Auction Houses or eBay for idea of prices.