Sunday, August 30, 2009

Elizabeth Degenhart, First Lady of Glass, Crystal Art

The First Lady of Glass,
Elizabeth Degenhart,
Crystal

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Fostoria American or Indiana Whitehall - Differences?

Fostoria, American or Colony/Indiana, Whitehall

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A LITTLE HELP ON DATING PORCELAIN, POTTERY, DINNERWARE

Here are some ways you can tell the age of your piece
The Mckinley Tarriff act of 1891 required that the name of the country where the ceramic was originally made must be printed on each piece, sometimes country names were used as part of the mark before 1891, below are dates of the earliest marks using the country name as part of the mark.
China: c:1900
Czechoslovakia 1918
Danmark(Danish for Denmark) c:1850
Denmark C:1890
England 1880
Finland 1897
France 1867
Germany 1885
Hungary 1935
Japan 1921
Norge (Norwegian for Norway) 1911
Norway 1935
Portugal 1835
Sweden 1935
Switzerland 1906
United States of America 1935
Below are some terms/words used

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Why is it marked Occupied Japan?

The following is a compilation of research from different thoughts on Occupied Japan markings.

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Shipping CAPODIMONTE and other FRAGILE ITEMS

COLONY CLASSICS ANTIQUES

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Buying Etruscan Majolica

There are several things to keep in mind when shopping for Etruscan Majolica.
Patterns
Of primary importance is knowing what the company made and what they didn't make. With so many reproductions on the market a basic knowledge of the Etruscan lines is very useful. Knowing these will also guide your collecting in an intelligent manner.
The company made four complete lines of dessert ware: Shell; Cauliflower; Bamboo; and a line that is widely known as Classical. In addition to these there are several partial lines made to compliment other dessert ware: Sunflower; Rose; Coral; Corn; and Bird and Iris among others. The company also made a plethora of leaves. These have long been the most popular of the company's wares. Most majolica collectors, in fact, begin their collections with a simple begonia leaf. For a good listing of the lines that were made at the height of the company's popularity, try to get ahold of the 1960 reproduction of the 1884 Etruscan Catalogue, still available in limited release and often available on Ebay. This is not a complete listing of the company's output but does list most of their most popular wares.

What determines the price of majolica?
As any other object of desire, there is no set price set for Etruscan Majolica. It really comes down to what someone is willing to pay for a particular piece. So what makes for an worthwhile piece?
Color
Color is the primary selling point when it comes to majolica. Majolica dealers price their stock largely based on the colors in a particular piece. Cobalt majolica has always commanded the top price in Etruscan majolica. Many of the designs were made with a cobalt blue ground and it is invariably these pieces which are the most desirable. Pink is also an especially desirable color since it's presence on a piece can make the difference between a $50 plate and a $200 plate. This varies, of course by the pattern but it always adds to the price of a piece. Other colors that command a premium are lavender, red and periwinkle. Sometimes a color on a piece is quite unusual for the pattern. An example would be the very, very rare yellow Morning Glory plate. While yellow is not a particularly desirable color, it's unusual presence on this piece elevates the price substantially.
Decoration
Another quality that affects the price on majolica is the crispness of the decoration. Etruscan Majolica was decorated by master decorators as well as school children. The quality of the decoration usually varies as a result with the truer pieces commanding a higher price. While a looser type of decoration has a beauty of it's own, if investment is of interest when buying, you should avoid the pieces with excessively runny glaze decoration. While these are relatively rare in Etruscan Majolica they do show up periodically.
Condition
Condition also effects price but not as much as with other pottery bodies. Majolica is made of soft-bodied earthenware which is easily damaged. This is the main reason why damage in majolica does not affect price as severely as it does harder bodied ceramics such as porcelain. A chipped piece of porcelain can have its value reduced by over 50% while the equivalent damage on a piece of majolica will reduce the price by just 20%. That's not to say that perfect pieces will not still command a premium because they will, it's just not as profound a price factor as with other ceramics.
Rarity
Rarity also affects the desirability of a piece of majolica but not always the price. Some pieces, such as Begonia leaves, were made by the thousands, are well known and well liked so the price is relatively constant and within the reach of most collectors. Other pieces, such as the rare Etruscan Lily pattern remain inexpensive because of the lack of education among the general buying public. Because no comprehensive work on the company's output has ever been released it is here where the intelligent buyer is at an advantage in buying desirable pieces on Ebay at good prices. While Shell, Sunflower and Cauliflower will always command high prices on Ebay because they are well known, good buys in the Lily pattern, Corn pattern and and Begonia pattern are still widely available. Some pieces, such as the Etruscan version of the Choisy Asian peasant plate, are so rarely seen on Ebay that no clear market has ever developed. These are the types of deals that Etruscan collectors should be looking for.
"Albino" Majolica
I really need to say a word here about the so-called Etruscan "Albino" pieces. Etruscan "Albino" pieces are technically not majolica at all but decorated white earthenware. The price of these white pieces is generally considerably less than those of the full color pieces and should not really be sold as majolica, but set habits are hard to break once established and these pieces have pervaded the majolica listings. This however should not effect the Etruscan collector from acquiring these otherwise attractive pieces as part of their collections. I have seen gorgeous collections of these white earthenware products that are quite stunning en mass. I have also seen exceptional "Albino" pieces with such detailed over-the-glaze decoration that they put many full-color pieces to shame. Good deals are still to be had in the Etruscan white earthenware pieces and the astute collector should keep an eye open for them.

The rule, as with any collection, is to buy intelligently and to buy what you like and can afford. This way you can never go wrong.

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McCoy pottery fakes



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Info on Franciscan Apple Ware by the Makers Stamp

Franciscan Apple Dishes have a range of

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Identifying SYRACUSE China Patterns Guide #1 Railroad

Identifying SYRACUSE China Patterns Guide #1

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vintage roosters

When collecting vintage roosters you can often get an idea of the age of the piece by looking at the feet. In ceramics 1940s roosters have sculpted feet , later examples often have the foot detail painted on. Some companies re released ceramic chicken pairs

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Tableware History

This is the another addition of the many guides that we,

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RS Prussia Molds

Collectors of RS Prussia (RSP) porcelain will likely say it was

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COLLECTING HEISEY GLASS



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Iridescent Depression Glass or Carnival Glass?



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Collecting Paperweights - A legacy of Artistry

Collecting Paperweights

Collecting paperweights can extend beyond the thrill of acquiring new and beautiful pieces of art.

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Jadeite Jade Identification Simple Quick Field Test

Jadeite jade is perhaps one of the most difficult gemstones to identify simply because there are a number of gemstones whose characteristics resemble that of jade and the abundance of imitations in the market. There are a few key gemological tests which when carried out properly can provide confirmation of its identity. There are also some 'quick-and dirty' negation tests which will tell you that a stone is definitely not jadeite but yet you cannot ascertain the specimen's identiy in the absence of certain confirmatory tests. This quick test may be useful when you are a buyer in the field armed with a loupe and your common sense.
The following tests are useful to take note:
Crystalline Structure:

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Bordallo Pinheiro pottery and dishware

History:
1884
The

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Most Sought After Commercial Perfume Bottles Part 1

In this guide I will be discussing some of the various most sought after commercial perfume bottles available to collectors and dealers alike. This is the first of two parts.
Elizabeth Arden- Cyclamen, introduced in 1938, fan shaped opaque white crystal flacon, by Baccarat.
Elizabeth Arden- It's You, introduced in 1939, a hand holding a torch, by Baccarat.
Bichara-Nirvana, introduced in 1913, frosted glass pharaoh's head stopper, by Baccarat.
Bourjois-Kobako, introduced in 1936, replica of ancient Chinese snuff bottle, manufactured by Verreries Brosse in France. Housed in a red Bakelite presentation box meant to resemble cinnabar.
Bryenne-Chu Chin Chow, introduced in 1918, enameled,cobalt and milk glass flacon in the shape of a mandarin figure, designed by GK Benda.
Caron- Alpona, introduced in 1939,an opaline bottle decorated with a

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Pyrex Collectiing Part 4 Tips for Use

Pyrex is very collectible and useful - Part 4 gives you Tips on Care and Use
A few tips on using your Pyrex
You can bake casseroles in Pyrex, for long life and lasting beauty of your piece we advise you use a cooking spray on the piece before you put together your favorite casserole. If the casserole has a high sugar or fat content like macaroni and cheese or bake beans. It comes clean very easy with little effort.
Yes, you can refrigerate your leftover in Pyrex. After dinner touch your Pyrex piece., if it is warm, but not hot it is ready to be refrigerated. Make sure the food is covered with the appropriate lid or plastic or foil wrap. Place on a shelf inside your refrigerator. It never gets a funny smell or taste if used within 2-3 days.
Yes, you can freeze and store your food in Pyrex. Casseroles are easily frozen. You can freeze Pyrex in your deep freezer or refrigerator freezer. Take the Pyrex filled piece out about one hour before you plan to reheat it. Let it thaw for one hour before you place it in the oven or microwave. Resist the temptation of cooking it on high. A lower, slow cooking helps to retain natural favor and juices. Before leaving your home in the morning you can take it out your frozen Pyrex casserole. Let it thaw in the refrigerator. Just like you would a piece of meat. You can use the glass lid to freeze for up to a week, but if you plan on not use the food for over a week you should wrap the Pyrex in aluminum foil.
Yes, you can use Pyrex mixing bowls for mixing batter that do not use a beater. You can use them for food mixing and preparation. You can beat batters in your Pyrex, but do not rest the beater on the bottom; it may scratch the surface over time.
Yes, you can marinate your meats and vegetables in Pyrex. For recipes that advise you not to use aluminum cookware use Pyrex Glassware.
Never use a piece on the stovetop. It can explode and crack. Especially if you heat it with a little butter or fat. If you ever have a question you can look on the piece, many are marked on the bottom!
Never place a piece of Metallic decorated Pyrex in the microwave. It will case a spark. It can harm your microwave.

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Packing and Shipping Dolls With Polly's Dolls

First I want to

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Make Your Bubble Wrap Go Further

Make Your Bubble Wrap Go Further
How many

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Glass, What to look for and how to buy and sell

I have a few things I'd like to share about glass

When looking for that nice peice of glass, do a search, look at the going prices.
If the listing says nothing about chips, cracks, or missing parts...

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Collecting Pyrex - Part 3 Is this the real Pyrex?

Pyrex has become very collectible! Part 3 will inform the Buyer on information on Mark, Size and how to sect a Pyrex piece on EBay.
How do you know you are purchasing the real Pyrex?
Each piece of Pyrex is marked on the bottom. You should easily find the size. New pieces made in the seventies are marked for use in a microwave.

When purchasing any piece on EBay always remember condition, condition condition! A damaged piece is not decorative, durable nor will it have a long life. Read the description very carefully, is it in a box, is it in mint condition? Does the design show ware or is the color faded? Has the seller listed the size carefully? Do they describe the mark on the bottom? What is the size? Are they knowledgeable about the pattern name? Is the piece clean? Do they guarantee that the real Pyrex, not Glass Bake or another glassware product? Does it have a chips, crack or fleabite on either the piece or lid? Do they include the lid?
If the seller does not list the information you need, contact them. See what type of sellers they are. Are they responsive to your questions? After over 1,800 transactions on EBay I have found if they don

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Is This Pottery Antique?

Is this pottery an antique?
Just passing on more tidbits as I gather them.

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Fake Hull - Top Two Reproductions Right Now!

I'd like to alert Ebayers to the top two suspect Hull reproductions currently circulating on Ebay.

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Cut Glass (lead) Crystal

I have just looked at several listings for cut glass lead crystal and perhaps the meaning has changed over the years.

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Fraudulent Lalique on Ebay

There seems to be a lot of fake Lalique out there on Ebay. Most of it is Czech Glass which has had the mark removed and a stencil mark added. These are acid-etched with a stencil, although I have seen rather poor attempts at pen-etching the Lalique signature. You can tell from the shaky cursive script. The most common is the small vase with nudes/grapes. This is a Czech creation.

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Tableware History

Here is yet another installment of many guides that we, Replacements, LTD, will be posting to provide some interesting information on several manufacturer's of some the world's most collectible porcelain items.

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THE LAND OF AMPHORA

Published by courtesy of the copyright holder Paul Rak.

My name is Paul Rak and I am a recently new Amphora collector, having started
collecting Amphora in early 2004 when my wife and I met many of the American
Amphora members at the last Amphora Convention which was held in New Jersey.
We caught the Amphora collecting bug right away, and just 2 years later, we own over 80
pieces already, with 22 of them being purchased from the recent Jan Dorland auction in
July 2005. We have no children yet, which is why we have been able to spend so much
money in such a short time, but we do have a daughter due at the end of February, so
the buying might slow down after she arrives. Also, I have included a photo of 4 of my
favourite most recently acquired Amphora pieces.

The Land That Begat Amphora
Although we reside in Canada, just 1 hour east of Toronto, I am originally Czech. I was
born in 1964 in Litom

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Marks On Pottery

I recently have had a couple customers insist that since a McCoy Pottery piece is not marked McCoy, it is not McCoy.

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Washing Fine China and Silver: How I Really Do It

A

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Buying Collectible Ceramics and Porcelain on Ebay

Beautifull porcelain or ceramics can enhance your home and are always nice to look at. When you're just starting out it can be a little bit scary though. What with all the fakes out there? This little guide will hopefully help you on the way and prevent you from wasting some hard earned money.
I've seen them on Ebay and I've seen them in big antique malls: fake antiques. Some call them reproductions and some are bold enough to just call them antiques. Let's get something straight: reproductions are not ilegal. Misrepresenting them as real is a federal crime known as fraud.
Some reproductions are so good, they actually are a piece of art themselves. Some of us can't afford the real thing and settle for a good reproduction. Nothing to be ashamed of, as long as YOU ARE AWARE what you're buying. Let's get down to the nitty gritty of things.
When you're looking for a collectible ceramic or porcelain piece look at these things:
- Have a close look at the mark. Most pieces are marked and those marks are documented. The internet is a treasure cove of information and most marks of most makers can be found online, for free. If you don't want to dig through the

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HEREND FISHNET FIGURINES BUYING GUIDE

Hello, my name is Balazs Benedek. I am an American-Hungarian citizen, currently living and working in Budapest, Hungary.
Other then a diploma in Economics, I have a diploma in appraising.
I currently buy and sell items on ebay, especially Herend Fishnet figurines.
Here is a small guide to buying Herend fishnet figurines safetly on ebay. Thus guide is also a general buing guide for ebay buyers, with usefull tipps and help.
--WARNING------------------------------------------WARNING----------------------------------------------------------WARNING--
2006. AUGUST 1 - PLEASE BEWARE A LARGE NUMBER OF FAKE, AND OFTEN VERY LOW QUALITY HEREND FISHNET ITEMS HAVE FLOODED THE MARKET. HOW TO BE SAFE?
- Check pics. If they are blurred, not clear, they are that way for a reason
- Listen to your gut feeling. If something tells you something is not right, just dont bid!
- Use paypal to pay. It offers the best buyer protection. This way you can be sure that you WILL get your money back should it turn out to be fake
- Buy from trusted sellers, established sellers,

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GLASS GLOSSARY - Ca - Cz: Words Used to Describe Glass

Definitions of:

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WALLENDORF AND SCHAUBACH KUNST MARKS: AGE

Wallendorf is/was the name of the area where the orginal factory established by J W Hammann was located in Thuringia. The factory was closed and reopened numerous times thru the years due to changes in ownership, political upheavels, and export restrictions. March 30, 1764 is the date when Duke Franz Josias officially granted the concession for porcelain making to the factory at Wallendorf, hence the 1764 under the crown. Factory was sold to a syndicate headed by Christian Hutschenreuther in 1838, hence the similarity of many Hutschenreuther designs to Wallendorf. In 1932 after a bankruptcy, the factory was purchased by Heinz Schaubach and the Schaubach Kunst crown was introduced. In 1953 the factory was "nationalized" or taken over by the government. Some time during the later 1950's, the Schaubach Kunst mark was replaced once again with the Wallendorf "Crown W",

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Early American Prescut (EAPC): Oatmeal

This is one

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Fiesta pitchers - vintage or new?

RESEARCH - RESEARCH - RESEARCH!!!!

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Nippon-Part IV-More Pictures of the Fakes



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The Real Value of Replacement China Services

The purpose of this guide is to share information I have learned over the last couple of years when it comes to the value of china replacement services. I dropped a large meat platter from a set of china that I inherited

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Haviland Limoges ~ Many Fabulous Patterns ~ Collections

Antiques from Turtle Rock ~ store, weekly ebay auctions

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Opalescent Vases with Carnival Twins: 2 - Northwood

Part II.

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Blue Phoenix Porcelain Patterns

The first pieces of porcelain I started collecting over 20 years ago were those with the Blue Willow pattern.

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Pfaltzgraff Yorktowne History

Pfaltzgraff Pottery was

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Primary colored Pyrex Mixing Bowls

Over the last 15 years I have become the Pyrex bowl maven!

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COLLECTING ROYAL BAYREUTH



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FIRE KING IS "HOT" BUT JUST HOW OLD ARE YOUR PIECES?

Fire King pieces can have several different marks, or maybe even no mark at all~I don't have a buyers guide for Fire King, or for many other items that I collect due to

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HUMMEL GOEBEL TMK BACKSTAMP GUIDE Trademark HELPFUL!

HUMMEL/GOEBEL TRADEMARK DATES. We find this very helpful!

Variations:

We often list figurines using this guide. It is very important to properly date your pieces, and put TMK and the number in the title (TMK 6, for example). Don't be afraid of newer years and try to hide the year in the description. Be open and honest and you'll be very happy with the results!
Our items can be found here in our store.
A BIGGER VERSION OF THIS CHART CAN BE FOUND HERE!

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Stag

FENTON'S STAG

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What Vaseline Glass is.... and What it is Not....

Have you ever purchased Vaseline Glass online only to find that what you received was not Vaseline Glass at all? There you were... all excited to open your package; you just couldn't wait to see it under the blacklight. But when you held it under the blacklight, it didn't glow with

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USPS SHIPPING INSURANCE: COLLECTING WHEN NECESSARY

As buyers and sellers, we all know that breakage and loss does happen.

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Saturday, August 29, 2009

Twinkie's Toolbox: Depression Glass ~ Americana

I adore glass and it's something that I am always on the lookout for when I go 'tiquing. I recently found a massive collection of depression glass, something that I have always admired, but didn't know enough about to purchase confidently.

I bought the lot - and it's been quite a process learning the ropes. There were so many manufacturers and not much hard-core information. I'll be the first to admit that I made a few mistakes, and now I am incredibly careful about not calling something Fenton if I can't guarantee that it is. I'll say it has a "blue-ish tint" and when possible, show another piece without that tint for comparison.

You really have to know some basic fundamentals and history of American glass manufacturing to avoid reproductions - some of which can be quite convincing in appearance. My little guide isn't a substitute for a comprehensive, specialized sourcebook (and there are many) but it is a quick jump start, especially since most of this isn't marked.

As for "original labels" I am always a little leery about that, but that's a personal opinion. I find the oddest things in my travels, and I wouldn't be surprised to stumble upon a full sheet of original labels. How well glued on are they, and is there residue from the back of the label on the glass? Prior to photographing anything, I usually give anything a good cleaning.

My best advice? Ask questions and ask to see close-up photographs. Ask if the hobnails are intact. Has the dish or goblet been tested for leaks? That's easy to do - just add water...and wait.

The opacity milky, or "moonstone" depression glass is from adding ash or tin oxide in the firing process. Other coloring agents or even a quirk in the firing process can cause the glass to range in hue - blues, greens and even blackish marks aren't uncommon.

But - just because one piece of opalescent has a blue cast - does not guarantee that it is Fenton, either. I noticed that when I photographed six candlesticks. I tried to match them up so that the pairs looked right, but one kept jumping out. It was so blue, it didn't fit. Too bad I didn't have two of those ;)

Pressed glass refers to the mold. Typically, you will notice lines running across both sides of a piece. The key to distinguishing an authentic vintage piece from a good reproduction are the "straw marks" on the bottom. These are imperfections that look like straw - long, imperfections or lines - and are clearly visible. IF you find pressed glass with mold markings along the bottom of the piece - it's a reproduction. IF you find a piece that looks absolutely perfect with no lines, waves, or bubbling - it's a reproduction.

Look for imperfections in the glass - striations of any sort, especially on handles

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FAIRY TEA PARTY PLANNING IDEAS RECIPES GAMES

Fairy tea parties are fun for the young

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What's a Sherbet Plate? Depression Elegant Glass Plates

As food options and lifestyles changed, the plates that people used changed too. We'll explain plates used in glass patterns from the 1920s through 1970s.
Elegant glass companies in the 1920s and 30s had to overcome consumer resistance to the notion of eating off glass plates. Most people who could afford glass from hand houses such as Fostoria or Cambridge used china dinnerware. Yet the same consumer would happily buy glass stemware. One method glass firms used to gain acceptance was to market plates as liners under a stem. Thus the sherbet plate was born!
Sherbet or ice cream was a treat, often home made, that was served in special dishes. These look like little bowls on a stem, or like a short, wide goblet. These sherbets are not very stable if someone rested their spoon in them, so adding a plate underneath was a practical solution. Once finished eating, one could put the spoon on the plate and avoid spotting the tablecloth. Sherbet plates are about 6 inches in diameter in most patterns. They are about the same size as a saucer but don't have the inset to hold a cup.
The plates shown below on left and in center are Cameo yellow depression glass and Moonstone (opalescent hobnail) glass from the 1940s.

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Understanding Differences in Manufaktura Polish Pottery

Here I will discuss the different types

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Opalescent Glass - Who Made It?

PRODUCERS OF OPALESCENT GLASS


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Tableware History

Here is yet another installment of many guides that we,

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Tableware History




Replacements, Ltd.
Fiesta by Homer Laughlin - History





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Glass Stemware Shapes

"Have some madeira, m'dear!
It's so much nicer than beer."
But what about the glass? Madeira, a sweetish fortified wine, is served in a sherry glass. But which of the gazillion vintage and antique glasses on eBay are sherry glasses?
This is a short guide to the stemware sizes most likely to be found in vintage and collectable glassware. Traditionally, the volume of each type of glass (filled to the top) and the amount per serving are:
Water goblet 8-10 oz., fill almost to top;
Red wine goblet 6-9 oz., 1/2 full;
Red wine, balloon-shaped glass 10-12 oz., 1/3 to 1/2 full;
White wine glass 4-6 oz., 1/2 full;
Hock or white Rhine wine goblet 4-6 oz., 3/4 inch deep;
All-purpose wine tasting glass (bowl longer than wide) 8 oz., 1/3 to 1/2 full;
Brandy snifter 8-12 oz., 1/4 or less full;
Tulip champagne glass 6-8 oz., 3/4 full;
Saucer-shaped champagne glass, 4-6 oz., almost to the top;
Martini or cocktail glass 4-6 oz., almost to top;
Sherry, port, madeira wine glass, 4 oz.; 3/4 full;
Pousse-cafe glass 3-4 oz.; level depends on number of liqueurs used;
Cordial or liqueur glass 2-4 oz.; 1/2 to 3/4 full.
Ask ebay sellers to provide the volume of their stemmed glasses if you are buying for a particular use because simple height measurements don't take into account variations in stem length or bowl capacity.Variations can exist within each type of glass and a sherry glass might look like a wine glass in a photo. A pipestem sherry glass looks somewhat like a skinny martini glass and the "classic" sherry glass is shaped like a small, skinny red wine glass. Additionally, sellers often don't know: I've seen a set of etched cordials described as "stemmed shot glasses". A roemer hock glass is a decorated Dutch or German wine glass that has small glass knobs or "prunts" on a wide, usually hollow stem. The "all-purpose" wine glass shape was designed by the Institute National des Appelations d'Origine in Paris for winetasting with a stem long enough to allow the wine to be swirled without being warmed by the hand, the bowl longer than it is wide so that the aroma is gently contained, and no cutting or etching to permit the wine to show its colors.
The basic rule to glass stemware shapes is that function and fads dictate form. Three types of champagne glasses have been popularly used for champagne. Today, champagne bubbles are to be enjoyed visually in a narrow flute-shaped glass but could tickle the nose more easily in the wide saucer style favored throughout most of the 20th Century; the 19th Century favored champagne glasses that were more cone-shaped. The smaller-size wine glasses prevent white wines from getting too warm; the larger glasses allow red wine to breathe. The stem of a white wine glass or martini glass prevents the hand from warming the cold liquid (whether shaken or stirred or just poured) while the short-stemmed wide bowl of a brandy glass allows the liquid to be warmed by the hand to release its aroma. A six-ounce belt of sweet creme de menthe would be hard to swallow while two ounces of a good red wine in a four-ounce glass would be viewed by guests as just a tasting

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Colors of Tiara Exclusives Glassware

Even though Tiara used the molds of several of the great American glass companies, the colors Tiara used is one of the ways to truly identify Tiara glassware.
Tiara's colors are listed in alphabetical order. Amber, Aquarmarine, Amethyst, Azure Blue, Bicentennial Blue, Black, Blue, Burnt Honey, Chantilly Green, Cobalt Blue, Coral, Crystal, Crystal Etched, Dusty Rose, Emerald Green, Green, Green Mist, Ice Blue, Imperial Blue, Lime Green, Peach, Pink, Platinum, Plum, Premier Blue, Provincial Blue, Ruby, Sage Mist, Sea Mist, Spearmint, Spruce, Sunset, Tea Rose, Teal, Teal Mist, Vintage Blue, Wisteria and Yellow Mist. Lead Crystal and White Lace Crystal were also produced. White Lace Crystal is an opalescent glass. Some colors, for example Teal, were subject to fluctuations in hue and would look slightly different from catalog to catalog.
The Bicentennial Blue color

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Nippon-Part III-Compare the Authentic to the Fake



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Japanese teapot 101

So, you found a teapot marked 'Japan' at a garage sale, you want to sell it on Ebay

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Inside tip on searching for Vintage



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Blue Ridge Pottery - An American Classic

In 1917 the Carolina, Clinchfield and Ohio Railroad founded Clinchfield Pottery in Erwin, Tennessee. Potters were imported from Ohio and welcomed by a throng of Erwin's 300 residents. In 1920 the Clinchfield Pottery became Southern Potteries, Inc. (S.P.I.). By 1938 S.P.I. had evolved a product line which was marked Blue Ridge Pottery. Each fresh, colorful piece was hand painted by a team of local women. Most patterns featured colorful arrays of flowers or fruit.
Blue Ridge became quite popular. In its heyday, S.P.I. employed around 1,000 people, producing some 24 million pieces annually in somewhere between 2,500 to 3,000 patterns. But by 1957 Southern Potteries found itself fighting for market share with competition from plastic dinnerware and Japanese imports. The stockholders voted to close the factory down.
Many people know Blue Ridge because of its Quaker Apple pattern (bottom right photo), a premium that could be ordered from Quaker Oats boxes. Even the boxes with the Quaker Apple offer are sought after by today

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Akro Agate Childrens Dishes Buying Guide

Akro Agate Children's Dishes
Perhaps

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Tips For Everyday Use Of Vintage Franciscan Dinnerware

I have been collecting and using Franciscan ware my entire life. Here are a few quick tips to help you keep your beloved vintage Franciscan ware looking spectacular for years to come! Now remember that even though your Franciscan ware may state "dishwasher safe, oven safe and microwave safe", this is all true, but your dishes are not as young as they once were. The very newest franciscan ware made in the USA is at least 22 years old. We all know that as pottery ages so does its finish, and its ability to fight off extreme tempature changes, and harsh detergents, especially if it is used on a daily basis. The following are the guidelines for usage that are stated in Franciscan Collectors website:

OVEN USAGE:

Franciscan ware is oven safe, but NOT in pre heated ovens. All ovens must be cold when placing franciscan ware into them. You may turn on the heat only after placing your franciscan ware inside. This pottery is only oven safe in tempatures up to, but not beyond 375' F. If you put room tempature pottery into a hot oven it can crack or break due to the extreme tempature fluxuations.

MICROWAVE USAGE:

All Franciscan ware is microwave safe. Use precautions when using Franciscan ware to microwave something for over 10 minutes (see my guide on Franciscan ware and lead issues).

DISHWASHER USAGE:

The Franciscan newsletter advises to cut detergent to 1/2, because most detergents contain TSP, which will dull the glaze on most Franciscan dinnerware. Franciscan fine china with gold or silver bands can be washed using the dishwasher, but should air dry, as the heat will melt the banding and could leave marks.



As for my own personal franciscan ware. It has never seen the inside of an oven, I just dont have the guts to do it. The microwave is franciscan ware's best friend. The dishwasher is used only on the occassional holiday, but my Franciscan is ALWAYS air dried! I have 3 complete sets of Franciscan ware all different patterns made within the same decade. The set I inherited from my grandmother whose favorite modern invention was the dishwasher has pretty moderate crazing, and various hairline cracks. Although I am no expert, and cant prove this scientifically, I attribute the damage to use of the dishwasher and its high tempature drying. I have NO such damage on my other sets that have rarely seen the inside of a dishwasher.
I hope this guide was helpful in someway, thank you for taking the time to read it!

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How to ship glassware and other fragile items

Many people who sell on eBay have beautiful items for sale. They get a successful purchase from a buyer and then the buyer gives them a negative feedback because the item they shipped arrived broken. This system developed by my husband and I who sell a lot of glass and fragile items will virtually eliminate breakage. We now have less than 1/2% per year breakage.
1. The First Step - Have Proper Packing Materials - anyone who ships USPS via Priority Mail can order boxes of varying sizes for FREE! The minimum quantity is usually 25. The Post Office will even ship these to your door! They do ship via Parcel Post so it will take 10 to 14 days for them to arrive. Don't wait until you're out to order. The next supplies you will need are small bubble wrap (about 3/16" bubbles), large bubble wrap (1/2" bubbles), stretch film, 2" box tape

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GLASSWARE Dealers

Buyers and sellers of glassware (especially fragile vintage glass) on
eBay should be aware of a phenomenon called THERMAL SHOCK.

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CORNING WARE CORELLE CLEANING

You can fully restore most Corning Ware to the near new lustre with a few simple and easy to use products. Corning Ware makes a special Cleaner and Conditioner that is formulated for cleaning and conditioning your vintage and newer Corning Ware and Corelle. While this product is superior for the general purpose it is intended for, it is not readily available at

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INDEX to GLASS GUIDES by Curculiosglass

Please leave feedback on our guides by clicking the button at the bottom of the page.

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SAFELY REMOVING CRAZING STAINS FROM PORCELAIN / POTTERY

As a seller of pottery and porcelain pieces, I have found a couple of great ways to reduce or even eliminate the awful staining one can find on older pieces.

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CHANEL BLACK SATIN NAIL POLISH LIMITED EDITION #219 USA

HERE IS THE ABSOLUTE GUIDE TO
CHANEL BLACK SATIN NAIL POLISH Le Vernis #219
Confused by the whole Chanel Black Satin Made in the USA debate???

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Tiara - Indiana Glass Company Beginnings

This guide gives a brief history as to how Tiara Exclusives Glassware connects with so many of the great American glassmakers. Indiana Glass Company, Fostoria, Fenton, Imperial, Lancaster Colony, Federal, LE Smith and Duncan Miller.
Tiara Exclusives began operation on July 1, 1970, in Dunkirk, Indiana. It was a spin off company of the longtime Indiana Glass Company which gave Tiara an edge in the glass industry. Tiara was started to capitalize on the growing popularity of party plan companies, such as Home Interiors, Tupperware and Mary Kay. Tiara's product focus was on decorative and tabelware items. Early catalogs mainly showcased dinnerware and beverage set items. Later on, Tiara expanded to include many novelties and accessory items. Later catalogs still marketed the company's bedrock, dinnerware lines, but they also included new items featuring candleholders, frames and figurines.
Tiara Exclusives was strictly a retail company, they did not manufacture any glass. Indiana Glass had the hand shops - handmade vs machine-pressed glass, they bought the molds and handmade the glass for the party plan industry. Tiara bought most of their product from Indiana Glass, who in turn bought molds from a variety of glass companies, such as Imperial, Federal, Fenton and Fostoria. Tiara warehoused, sold and shipped glass, but they did not manufacture glass.
Indiana Glass opened in 1896 as the Beatty Brady Glass Co and in 1908 became the Indiana Glass Company. Indiana Glass now owned by Lancaster Colony of Columbus Ohio. In 1983 Fostoria was acquired by Lancaster Colony and had many handmade items which Indiana Glass purchased for Tiara, including the Stagecoach mold. The Tiara Stagecoach is one of the Preferred Hostess items which was produced for associates only and was never sold to the public. The Pie Wagon was made from an Imperial mold, purchased by Indiana Glass Co.
Not all items sold by Tiara were made from other company's molds. When Tiara wanted something new, not from molds purchased from other companies, Tiara would just dip into Indiana Glass Company's archives. If Tiara found a shape which interested them, it appeared in the next Tiara catalog. Fenton Art Glass Company of Williamstown, West Virginia, also helped Tiara produce some glass items, like the Stagecoach in the Dusty Rose color. This was a good financial move for Fenton and it helped Tiara keep up with production.
Tiara reproduced Federal Glass Co's Colonial Candy Box and Cover. Tiara reproduced Fostoria molds such as the Madonna, Coronation Lamp and Vase and Water Bottles.
Tiara Exclusives closed in November 1998. Home Interiors

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Vintage DeVilbiss Perfumers and Atomizers

In this guide I will be discussing the various types of

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Crazing of pottery and crackle finishes

Crazed pottery is often considered a sign of age and although it may be to a certain extent, it is mostly due to process error.

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Elegant and Depression Decorative Glass Bowl Shapes

This will help explain decorative bowls used in elegant and depression glass patterns from the 1920s through 1940s, including console bowls, centerpiece bowls, epergnes and comports.

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A Beginner's Guide for collecting ABCG (by a beginner)

I'd llike to share a few things i've learned just by shopping Ebay and talking to the many helpful sellers.

Ask about how the piece was polished. Some sellers will say this in their descriptions, but many do not. In the later Brilliant Period many manufactureres turned to a less costly method called Acid

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Depression Glass Reproductions: "Madrid"



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Buying and Selling Antique and Vintage Perfumes

Are you a collector of antique

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Fostoria Etched Glassware - Misidentified Treasures

Elegant Fostoria glassware is frequently bought and sold on eBay, and

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GLASS SHOES AND SLIPPERS: Not a Cinderella Story

Ever since Cinderella's godmother dressed her up in fancy duds and delicate glass slippers, we have been enchanted by glass shoes, slippers and boots.

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Wade Gollys - Fakes and Restoration


We would like to warn all Wade Collectors about the restored Wade Gollies appearing for sale, especially here on ebay. These pieces were originally premiums for Robertson's Jam.

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Ebay Pottery Sellers - SHOW US YOUR BOTTOMS!!

If you are selling art pottery on ebay I know one simple little trick that will increase your sales and

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Wonderful World of Fireking



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Hall Teapots

Over the years I have bought numerous Hall teapots, both for collections and for resale. Overall, most of the people who sale these teapots are very honest in their description. There are times though when a teapot may not be exactly as advertised. In some of those situations it may be a seller that has taken extra efforts to hide a flaw, and in others it may be that the person was not aware that a flaw had been previously hidden.
We all see the chips on the inside rim, or the finial that has been broken off and reglued. These are the more obvious flaws, as well as the spout that was broken off.. I recently came across a flaw though that was not as obvious. It was a hariline crack in the handle of a teapot. It was a black teapot, and under normal lighting the crack did not show up. It was not until

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Collecting Pyrex Part 2 Manufacturing / Collecting


Pyrex has become very collectible! This is part 2 of our series

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Currier


Nathaniel Currier began his profession in lithography in 1828. At that juncture, he was apprenticed, at the age of 15 years old, to Pendleton of Boston, one of the earliest American lithographic firms recognize. After five years, he left and engaged in an assortment of business ventures, one of which was with Stodart in New York. It was at this time in 1834 that the print

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Good Glassware Photos on a Budget

This guide is for folks like me with a decent camera, but nothing fancy, and no great studio to do good photos in.

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A Simple Guide to the Collectible Teapot

Teapots are such a fun thing to collect and they are fast becoming a very popular collectible. This basic guide focuses on the British collectible teapot and, as the title states, it is a simple guide

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FAKE FOSTORIA EGG PLATE BEING FRAUDULENTLY SOLD ON EBAY

FAKE FOSTORIA EGG PLATE


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Buying Fine China On Ebay

Whether you are buying fine china as a gift or to add to your collection, Ebay is a great place to purchase fine china at extremely low prices. Following

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Thursday, August 27, 2009

Nippon (Japan) 1891-1921


McKinley Tariff Act from 1890, law establishing record-high tariffs on many imported items, sponsored by Representative William McKinley, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, the act was designed to protect American industries from foreign competition. Its unpopularity led to its replacement by the Wilson Act in 1894. Which regulated items exported from Japan to US by marking the merchandise with the country of origin and used the word "Nippon" written in western characters.
Nippon also written Nihon is the Japanese name for the country of Japan, meaning the "Land of the Rising Sun.

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My listing has no bids...What can I do??

I love ebay.
Each week, I list 12 - 15 items on ebay. I always use a 7 day auction, start on Sunday at 5pm. Some weeks, by Sunday at 10pm, I have a few bids already. Yahoo! The red prices turn to "Cha-Ching!" green, because someone bid on my item! Seven days to watch it continue to grow. My treasure will soon be packed and shipped and become their treasure.
Some weeks, one or two items get bids, and the rest just sit...and sit...and sit...in the red. UGH. What's a Seller to do? Plenty! Here are some tips that have worked for me, many times. Try them...they might help your slower sellers, too!


Read your auction title carefully and change it up. Something might be missing that would trigger a hit when an Eager

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FREE PACKING MATERIAL where to find it,don't pay for it

FREE PACKING MATERIAL
So where do you find it....... You may think to look at department stores for boxes. But they compact everything. The office building next door.... but the people in the shipping department are way down in the basement...... AUTOMOTIVE BODY SHOP

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Excessive shipping charges

Be sure to check your shipping charges before you commit to purchase an item. I am seeing very excessive shipping and handling charges on Ebay. The company squareandcircle has made it a practice to sell items for 99cents to $10 and then charge $40 to $60 shipping and handling. Another company

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UPDATES Concerning the Indiana Glass Company


As many of you know, the Indiana Glass Company closed it's doors in 2002 after nearly 100 years of glassmaking in Dunkirk, IN.

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Identifying True Etruscan Majolica

In the past five years there has been quite a bit of confusion about the term Etruscan Majolica.
Etruscan Majolica was a brand name given to the earthenware pottery created first by Griffen, Smith and Hill, then later manufactured by Griffen, Smith and Company; Griffen, Love and Company; and Griffen China Company, of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania in the years between 1879 and 1892.
Recently this term has appeared on Ebay with increased frequency to describe majolica of a rustic nature, which is incorrect. Only true Phoenixville majolica should be labeled with the name Etruscan.
Reproductions of Etruscan majolica are numerous and well represented on Ebay listings so the novice buyer should be aware of certain qualities of the pottery that will help them identify the real thing. Never go by the mark--there are hundreds of fake, marked pieces out there.
Identification
One of the easiest ways to identify true Etruscan Majolica is by the color. The Etruscan Works used a very limited palette in creating their majolica. For one thing there is no turquoise in the Etruscan palette. Whenever you see a turquoise piece advertised as Etruscan, you know it's either a fake or wrongly attributed. All Etruscan glazes have a clear, transparent quality to them. The company was famous for the pastel glazes they used--another way to recognize real Etruscan majolica. The long time collector will recognize an Etruscan glaze on sight. The glazes are also quite true to the design they are representing. If you see very runny glazes with little or no definition, run in the other direction!
The underside is also an easy way of telling true Etruscan Majolica. During the eleven years that the company was in production they only used three underside treatments for their multicolored pottery: solid white; yellow and green sponged; and the most common, brown and teal-grey mottled. Any pottery with a treatment other than this is not Etruscan.
Markings
The vast majority of Etruscan Majolica is marked with either the GSH logo or the circular Etruscan Majolica mark but, as I mentioned earlier, many reproductions are also marked. The lack of a mark shouldn't deter you from buying an otherwise desirable piece because most of the later pieces were not marked at all, so there are quite a few out there. There are other telltale signs to distinguish a piece's pedigree. One thing that virtually all Etruscan majolica has on the base is a decorator's mark. Decorators were paid by the piece so they were diligent about marking the wares they worked on. The decorator's mark will appear as a small unglazed area on the underside of the piece with either a stamped or hand written two digit number in the unglazed area. These marks can often be attributed to specific decorators who worked at the pottery. In fact, the decorator's mark is actually a better indication of the piece's origin as many unmarked pieces have the decorator's mark but not the GSH stamp. Otherwise, reproductions with fake Etruscan marks never have decorator's marks.
Another way of telling a fake marked piece from a real marked piece is by looking at the mark itself. Etruscan marks were pressed INTO the body of the piece--the words ETRUSCAN MAJOLICA as well as the stars in the circular Etruscan logo itself should be pressed into the clay. If they stick out it is certainly a reproduction. Marks, if they are present, are almost always crisp and clear in the colored majolica pieces. If the mark looks at all distorted or muddy, it should send up a red flag. Don't forget that Etruscan Majolica is sometimes not marked with the usual Etruscan logo. Sometimes it is only marked with the catalog number.
I should also mention printed marks. The Etruscan Works NEVER marked their wares with ink marks. I have seen pieces that have come out of Europe with ink Etruscan logos on the underside. These are categorically fakes. While the later potteries that took over the Phoenix Pottery did indeed use ink marks, the name "Etruscan" was never used in these marks. Ink marks that were used in these later pieces include: Griffen, Love

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Guide to dating Aynsley china


Yes, you love it, but how confusing is it to find out how old your favourite Aynsley china item is?
THE MARKS
Aynsley have changed their marks many times over their 200-plus year history. In fact many early pieces had no mark at all. In the late 1800s (from about 1860) the name AYNSLEY was impressed in the base of some pieces. The early printed marks from this time to around the 1880s looked like these:

Then from the 1880s and 1890s you might find marks like these:

In the early 1900s (until around 1920), these were used:

Then these during the 1920s to the late 1930s (later ones to the right):

The marks illustrated above were generally in black or green.
In around 1924, there was an additional dating system introduced, which makes it possible to determine the actual year of production, but this was not applied to all pieces. A number was printed (not handwritten) below the backstamp, starting from 1 in 1925, and continuing until the late 1950s. The illustration below shows this mark for 1954. To determine the year, add the printed number to 1924 - eg 1924 1 = 1925; 1924 23 = 1947; 1924 30 = 1954.

In the 1960s the backstamp colour was changed to blue, although there are some pieces which have marks in pink, or black, or in the same colour as the china. Aynsley china is still in production.
ORCHARD GOLD AND FRUIT PATTERNS

There is sometimes confusion about the age of the well-known fruit design. The hand-painted items (like the one illustrated above) were made to compete with Royal Worcester and other manufacturers, and were mainly painted by Doris Jones and Nancy Brunt, who worked at the Aynsley factory from the 1930s to the 1960s. Most of their pieces are handfinished over a transfer design. In the 1960s, the Orchard Gold design was introduced, to overcome the cost of the handpainting process. It was at this time that the name "Orchard Gold" was given, to avoid confusion with the earlier handpainted pieces.
Many Aynsley patterns do not have names, but usually have a number which may be handwritten on the base. You may find the name (if any) indexed on the websites of china identification or matching services such as Replacements Ltd.
If you found this guide helpful, please click Yes below.

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RS Prussia Porcelain-Part II-Photos of Fakes



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Royal Doulton HN Production vs. Specialty Figurines

Most everyone knows of the standard Royal Doulton production figurines with numbers like HN 1362 Pantalettes, but there are other figurines available, including original model and specialty figurines.

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RS Prussia - Fake and Misleading Items

More

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Selling Vintage Wares On Ebay: Find Your Niche

"If you list it, they will bid..."
Don't you wish that were always true?
I have enjoyed buying vintage wares for years, ever since my

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Fire-king White Restaurant Ware - Know the difference

We are Two of a Kind and we Specialialize in Fire-King. I have seen several auctions selling white restaurant ware for big money. Are you being taken for your money? I would like to share with you a few facts about white Rest. The older is bringing good money, but besure you are buying it. The best way to know when buying on ebay is by the marking. The 900 series have the 900 item numbers on them, where as the later does not have item numbers. You will also find on the 900 series anchorware not anchor hocking fireking as on the old. The old never says anchor ware. This 900 series is institutional ware that was produced from 1970-78. There is also patterns with colored lines. The older white Restaurant ware used the same molds as the Jadeite and was produced from 1959-67 with molds w-200 and w-300. Hope this will help some in identify the white restaurant ware you are looking to buy. Happy Hunting.
older marking, no 900series,
no anchorware

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Depression Scrip of the 1930's

Depression Scrip of the 1930's


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English Registry or Registration Numbers-Part II-1883

English Registry Marks, Part II
[This is continued from English Registry Nos., Part I]
This guide discusses the dating system put in place by the British Government for objects created with patents

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Tableware History

This is the another addition of the many guides that we, Replacements, LTD, will be posting to provide some interesting information on several famous tableware companies.

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Spode Christmas PHOTOS

One of the first questions YOU should ask concerning Spode

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Evaluating Bauer, Garden City, Niloak, Muncie


Evaluating, Identifying, Pricing, Collecting, Care of
BAUER, OUACHITA, NILOAK, MUNCIE AND GARDEN CITY

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Early American Prescut Glass (EAPC): Star of David

Early American Prescut Glass (EAPC) is a very popular glassware pattern on eBay.

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Nippon Head Vases-NOT!-They are ALL FAKES!



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REMOVING STUBBORN STAINS from Antique Limoges Porcelain

Many of the most common stains can

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BRAND NEW HEADVASES BEING FRAUDULENTLY SOLD AS VINTAGE

BRAND NEW HEADVASES STRAIGHT FROM THE WHOLESALE GLASS AND POTTERY IMPORTERS
Nothing burns us more than to see all the brand new imported glassware, headvases, cast iron, and pottery items being sold as genuine, old, or vintage.

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Jasperware

This guide will

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GAUDY WELSH China Guide



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REPAIR A FLEA-BITE NICK ON GLAZED CERAMICs

Does your favorite collectible have a flea-bite chip or nick? Have you tried to repair it but is still visible? I may have a simple repair using a few items you already have in your home that may be of some help. You will need a bottle of

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Older Haviland Marks: Haviland

Antiques from Turtle Rock ~ store, weekly ebay auctions ~ your invitation!

The guides allow

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Royal Satsuma Marks and Items-Not The Real Deal!


Please pay careful attention to my guide ratings! You'll notice the number of unhappy sellers that are attempting to trash my ratings because

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Are you Buying or Selling Fire-King? Or is it Federal?

We are Two Of a Kind Antiques and we Specialize in Fire-king. I watch some many Auctions and in shops, people think that a piece of Federal is Fireking. I would like to share with you the difference, so that you are not buying a piece of glassware that you believe to be something that it is not. Federals marking is simple it is a "F" in a shield, where as Anchor Hocking Fireking is going to spell out Fireking. You will find on some pieces the anchor symbol for anchor hocking and you will find Fireking Ware made in USA, but you will never find a F standing for Fireking. Also just to clear up one more thing Jade-ite is a color of green, not a pattern, or a certain mixing bowl.

About Two of A Kind Antiques

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HISTORY OF MEXICAN TALAVERA POTTERY

INTRODUCTION:

Since the 16th century, Mexican craftsmen have been producing Talavera pottery.

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Alexandrite Twilight and Dawn or Neodymium glass


I am writing this to convey some quick, practical advice on recognizing and collecting crystal in the Alexandrite color. Being a glass nut, not a chemist, I am intentionally leaving out the difficult parts of the process. Neodymium is a rare earth binary compound, whatever that is, I have read it is mostly mined in China. When used in crystal production you get dichromatic or dichroic glass. That is glass that changes color in different lighting conditions. Alexandrite will be a pale ice blue under fluorescent lighting and a striking lavender under incandescent lights.
I am calling the color alexandrite as that is the name given the color by Moser, who invented it around 1930. But this can cause much confusion because that name was already in use. Thomas Webb, and Stevens and Williams in England were already

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Limoges Boxes Authentic French Porcelain Figurines



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Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Meissen Collector's Guide

This guide will introduce

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Homer in Disguise: Homer Laughlin's Other Backstamps

Beginning with the Laughlin Brothers' pottery endeavor in 1871, the Homer Laughlin China Company of Newell, West Virginia has made tens of thousands of

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HELP! Reproduction Cookie Jars S P Mammy ect.

Time and again it is on eBay.

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RS Prussia Porcelain-Fake Marks-Part I

Please pay careful attention to my guide ratings! You'll notice the number of unhappy sellers that are attempting to trash my ratings because

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More On Fake Hull

As a dealer, time and again we come across Hull Pottery that does not look right. Either the colors are too bright, or the piece is done in colors that cannot be contributed to Hull. Many Hull collectors know what colors Hull used, and what the variances are in those colors. The average person looking to get into collecting though may not be as aware. A good idea is to purchase a guide on Hull Pottery that gives information not only on the company, but also shows good photos of the vaious colors used. One current trend in reproduction Hull is to use the

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Little Red Riding Hood Cookie Jars

If you're a cookie jar collector the best investment you can make is a book or guide to find out more about the jars you want to collect. Unfortunately there are thousands of new jars that won't be in the books, but if you are interested in vintage or antique pieces, a book is a good way to find out more.
For instance, Little Rid Riding Hood is a very popular subject for cookie jars and since it is so popular, it's also one of the most reproduced

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Moon

Moon

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Pottery Wheels - Old, New, What's right for You!

Throwing pottery is one of my favorite pastimes. I find it great for relieving stress and calming the nerves. Finding the right equipment, though, was by far one of the most nail-biting experiences of my life. Pottery wheels are extremely expensive. I've seen old wheels go above $200 in auction even

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It's a Fiesta! How to buy Vintage Fiesta Ware

Collecting Vintage Fiesta Ware:First buy a good Fiesta Ware book. (I like Huxford's Encyclopedia of Fiesta) And, before you read it, look at the pictures. After that, use what you've already seen and the pictures you just looked at to decide what you like. When building your collection it isn't necessary to try to determine what's going to appreciate or depreciate in value. Remember, these are items you're most likely going to display--perhaps over many years. If they go up in value that's great, but what's most important is how they'll look on display. "Radioactive red" displays quite nicely so it is one of the most sought after colors.When you're ready to start bidding/buying look at the piece carefully. It's far better to get a more common piece in perfect condition than a rarer piece that's a bit scruffy. Avoid any item with a serious crack. Remember though, what may look like a "flea bite" on the bottom of the piece may actually not be. It's quite possible it's a mark from where the pottery is held into place when it's being made. Also, note that many pieces are not marked Fiesta or HL China. Look for the Fiesta style--it's distinctive. Avoid buying Fiesta knockoffs. Many companies made knockoff Fiesta Ware in the 1930s as Fiesta got popular. These have a completely different look and are relatively easy to spot fortunately.If you're not sure about the piece, don't buy it on impulse. Authenticate it. Check it out. If you're in a store, ask if you can snap a digital picture of it. Make sure it's the color that's specified. An unscrupulous or uneducated seller may describe the plate as being the scarce medium green when it's actually just green or possibly even chartreuse. Compare what you see with your book's picture (this can be difficult) or with what you already own. The next step is to authenticate the piece. There's a

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English Registry or Registration Numbers Guide - Part I

English Registry Marks - Signs of the Times
Part I - 1842 to 1884

One of the most frequently asked questions about antiques is: How old is it?

And often, the answer can be

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Antique Bottles - Cleaning Glass , and Crystal



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Listing Frankoma Pottery on eBay

Do you want to list your Frankoma pottery for sale on eBay? Make sure you know what you are listing!Frankoma Pottery is a very collectible American pottery, manufactured in Oklahoma. Many, many pieces are offered on eBay every day. However, many of them are not listed properly, and thus do not get the bids they deserve!Here are some things to consider when listing your piece on eBay:What is it?Often, what the item is is very obvious. Some Frankoma pieces are, however, very puzzling- the WA2 pot warmer is a notable example. Shaped somewhat like a crown, it's designed to hold a Sterno can in the middle and have a pot placed on top of it. People make all kinds of odd guesses to what it is! Many Frankoma pieces have specific names, and if you want to attract a collector, it's best to call the piece by the right name! For example, the 114 and 116 pieces are not mountain lions, jaguars, cougars or cats- they are pumas. The dinnerware pieces have specific pattern names, like Plainsman, Wagon Wheel, and Lazybones.If you are not sure what your item is, consult a good guidebook! Two of the best are Collector's Guide to Frankoma Pottery

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How to buy Royal Albert's Old Country Roses Bone China


The Most Popular China Pattern In The World
(Part one of a five part series)
This Guide will provide a seller or buyer with enough information to determine that the Old Country Roses china pattern or piece in question

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NIPPON China Guide


Nippon china first appeared outside Japan in the late 1800s after the US and Japan began to trade with each other. Americans loved china from Japan (known then

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Collecting Buying and Selling BLUE WILLOW CHINA on EBAY



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Cleaning Carnival Glass

Cleaning Carnival Glass


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ART DECO VERSUS ART NOUVEAU IDENTIFICATION 101!!!



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Beware of Fake Versace China

Just wanted all the potential buyers of the Versace china that in one day alone I managed to find four so called reputable sellers who led me to believe that they were selling Authentic Rosenthal Versace Medusa service for 8 (between 50 and 60 pieces)

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WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING ENGLISH CHINA

Ok ,let's start with a short, very short history of pottery making in the UK and that means England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and, for the purpose of this excercise only ... to include the republic of Ireland.
We are going to forget the Romans, the Celts, The Anglo Saxons, the Danes and the Norsemen all of whom arrived here and settled. For the practical purposes of the china we shall see on Ebay let's leap to the mid 18th century.

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McKee Roman Arch Range Shakers, History, Tips, Cautions

Is it a genuine vintage McKee? Or is it a worthless modern day reproduction?
McKee produced many range shaker sets in a variety of styles for several kitchen range manufacturers from the 1920's onward into the early 50's. You could buy a new kitchen range from Hot Point or Tappan as well as other manufacturers and included with your new appliance, often with their own "cubby hole" for handy storage would be a "Range Set" (thus the name) of shakers. Each quite useful when cooking at the range. Generally these sets have far outlived the original range.
The McKee "Roman Arch" style range sets have been quite popular, being highly sought after by collectors. These were produced in sets of four, consisting of a Salt, Pepper, Sugar, and Flour shakers. Originally the Roman Arch style came in two colors, white, and a yellowish off white called "Custard."

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NEW MCCOY COOKIE JARS AND OTHER BLACK MEMBORABILIA

Have you noticed the "glut" of Black Memorabilia on eBay?

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Choosing a kiln for fusing small glass

Choosing an appropriate kiln is dependent on your budget, space and the electricity available for your work space. A good start is a small kiln with a 6

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SECRET! Red Wing Pottery, Crock, Butter Churn Profit!

Red Wing Collectibles are HOTTER than EVER!

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Brands of Collectible Figurines

Hi, welcome, come on in! The purpose of this guide is to help people know specific name brands of collectible figurines and glassware

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Haviland Marks ~ Theodore Haviland, Limoges

Antiques from Turtle Rock ~ store, weekly ebay auctions

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IS IT BLUE WILLOW OR ANOTHER BLUE AND WHITE PATTERN?

I have collected Blue Willow for about 25yrs. My favorite items are the old dime
store pieces made in Japan..these have such great appeal because they are the
very dark blue and have the cute "fat" birds!! I believe the Japan pieces are the
closest to resembling Flow Blue, but are much more affordable. Blue Willow is


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Fake Watt Pottery Bowls and Pitchers- Updated w/ Photos

How can you protect yourself and add to your Watt collection safely?

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not all waterford crystal have markings

Not all Waterford crystal have markings. Items produced prior to approx. 1880 have no markings. Waterford produced no items between 1880 and 1947. Items produced after 1947 have the "waterford" mark engraved thereon.

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How To Find Great Things for Resale at Estate Sales

Estate Sales are a guilty pleasure.

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FLOW BLUE China Guide

Why "flow blue"?

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Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Fake McCoy Cookie Jars

There are some very simple rules to remember that will help you avoid buying reproduction cookie jars.

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Wedgwood buying guide

Wedgwood
china is known internationally for it's quality, beauty and craftsmanship.

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About Occupied Japan Products


Like Nippon, Occupied Japanese objects are increasingly growing in value and collectibles, and more dealers are scrambling to provide these items to their buyers. Identification is simple of course the trademark is self explanatory

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How To Repair Chipped Art Pottery

RESTORING

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FRANCISCAN MARKS, PACKING TIPS, DAILY USE and CARE INFO

FRANCISCAN MARKS Identify the hallmark on your Franciscan Ware.This is not a comprehensive guide of all the hallmarks that were used by Franciscan. They did use more marks than the examples here during the 1950's 60's and 70's. These marks were used on the embossed hand decorated patterns.

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WHAT IS REISSUED, REPRODUCED, OR FAKE GLASS?

To help fight fraudulent sales of glass on eBay, we thought it might be useful to understand some of the ways dishonest dealers manipulate buyers into thinking they are getting a

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How to pack glass for shipping...so that it survives

Inadequate packing is why most shipped glass arrives broken. INADEQUATE is the key word here.
As a collector of EAPG, getting a piece of 100 year old shattered glass almost makes me cry. I've written this guide, because whenever I've gotten what I call a DEATH RATTLE box...you can hear the contents rattling around when you go to the PO to pick it up

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Pottery, China, Porcelain: What is the difference?

The difference between pottery, china, porcelain, ceramic, etc. may seem

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When Is White Glass Not Called Milk Glass?

Have you ever wondered what Monax is? Or Platonite? Or why some glass is white but isn

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What's it worth? Buying / Valuing EAPG glass

I wrote this guide primarily for collectors of EAPG (Early American Pattern/Pressed Glass), c 1825-1915. But it can easily apply to most other types of collectible glass.
Collector books come with a

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Meissen Porcelain on ebay..original or fake?

Buying Meissen antique porcelain on ebay is very simple, you just log into ebay, search for "Meissen" and here we go, thousands of porcelain pieces with Meissen in the title, but is that all really original Meissen??? Below some examples how you can find out if the piece on ebay is really

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Better guide to Waterford Crystal

Waterford Crystal can be a beautiful heirloom item when it is authentic. It can be a sad disappointment when it is fake.

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Buying Franciscan Dinnerware and Pieces

Franciscan Ware was started in California USA.

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Buying Opalescent Glass? Things To Watch Out For


February/2006.

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NIPPON PORCELAIN: A GUIDE TO MORIAGE

This is the third guide

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Feista Fiesta FRAUD NEW -VS- VINTAGE!!! MUST READ!

Fiesta Fraud!
CONTEMPORARY VS. VINTAGE
I am writing this in hopes to help you buyers out there to beware of the fiesta NEW VS Vintage Fiesta!
Many times there may be a seller which just really has no clue what he/she is doing. Although, the majority are just plain out to get your money and run.
Here are the signs to watch out for!
1. If a person is selling a item of Fiesta made by the Homer Laughlin Company, make sure the pictures scope in on the base of these items!
2.

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McCoy and American Pottery Fakes

JULY 2008

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Fake Hull

Beware of sellers listing Hull pottery without saying that it is original or if they call it Vintage. I recieved 2 pieces today that the sellers listed as just Hull. The two pieces cost me $167. and thats a lot to pay for fakes. Be especially careful of the bowknot pattern and if the bottoms are really white and clean beware.

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THRIFT STORE TRASH OR TREASURES!!

APRIL'S-ATTIC-TREASURESI am the Thrift Store Queen in my small realm of the world and I am sure there are other Queens of the Treasure or Trash trade out in their own realms digging

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Guide To Noritake China

Guide To Noritake China
Prior to the end of the 19th century, Japan practiced an extreme form of isolationism.

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