When you can see the style of an antique piece and then match or associate it with the actual antique marks that the maker used, you are adding a new dimension to the knowledge you need to acquire in order to know what antique collectables to buy or invest in.
Viewing the antique manufacturers markings as they are stamped, painted or impressed on an antique item can help you learn more about how the maker marked their pieces and where and what to look out for. The gallery is where you can view a range of antiques and collectables from our own antiques collection and if you are a Google Plus user you can add your own comments or ask questions about the items.
You can view the full Antique Collectables Gallery here or watch the slideshow, clicking on one of the images below will take you to more details for that specific item. The antique collection items featured here are just a small preview of the full antiques gallery.
A makers mark that will provide the collector with an indication of the maker, the decorator and the approximate date of manufacture. However the marks on antique collectables can and have been faked, so the collector must then rely on the quality of manufacture, the quality of design and the quality of decoration to confirm that what they have is genuine.
The antiques collector can only do this by making sure they are familiar with the quality and style of a particular maker and by understanding the various elements within a makers mark as well as how and when those elements were introduced and utilised.
Most antique collectors, particularly those that specialise in one maker or one type or style of antique will be able to tell instantly whether an item is genuine. Most will be able to spot an antique in their particular area of expertise from a distance.
They learn to do this by becoming familiar with items and makers they are interested in. By handling those items and scrutinising every little detail about them to learn makers and designers individual inconsistencies and idiosyncrasies
View the original article here
Showing posts with label Collection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Collection. Show all posts
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Antiques Collection - Spatter Glass Basket
From the antique-marks collection we have a wonderful Nailsea Glass Basket roughly formed from various pieces of coloured glass spatter with a clear glass, twisted branch handle. Possibly 19th Century and highly collectable Nailsea glass which included this type of decoration, with white and sometimes colored splashes on a dark green or amber glass.
Spatter glass was extremely popular with Victorians in the late 19th century, along with many other Roman and Egyptian glass styles. Spatter Glass is actually hand-blown glass which has been rolled over a hot steel or iron plate to pick up small chips of crushed or powdered glass on the outside. The glass is then rolled smooth and shaped by blowing
This Nailsea Glass basket is in very good original condition, with some traces of wear. A few small burst air bubbles here and there and typical imperfections found in early glass. No cracks and the bowl rings when flicked with a finger.
Makers marks provide a reasonably reliable dating system but typically, there are no makers or factory marks present on antique glass. Northwood Glass carnival wares are one exception. However, there is an indented and polished pontil mark to the base of this Nailsea glass basket demonstrating the hand blown manufacture and quality.
It is uncertain when glassmaking first started in Nailsea but Nailsea Crown Glass and Bottle Manufacturers "The Nailsea Glassworks" was one of the new factories that opened in the Victorian glass boom. It was set up by John Lucas in 1788.
Nailsea Glass became widely used by the 1830's and the glassworks expanded to become one of the four largest in England. Because of the heavy duty on 18thC. Flint Glass, it became common practice for glassworks like Nailsea to manufacture tableware out of bottle or window glass, and to decorate it very simply with white dots or lines to make it more attractive.
Nailsea Crown Glass and Bottle Manufacturers were just one among many glassworks that manufactured this type of glass, and they gave their name to this style. The flecked and festooned glassware, such as this Nailsea spatter glass basket, included jugs, carafes, vases, bowls, paperweights, twisted canes, rolling pins, pipes and jars, which are now highly collectable items. Collectively they are often simply referred to as Nailsea glass.
View the original article here
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Is Noritake China A Worthwhile Addition to Your Porcelain Collection?
Noritake china production began around 1876 when the Morimura Brothers formed a company of that name in Tokyo and opened an export office in New York. They initially produced a full range of china marked with the Nippon mark and also sold china in-the-white, ie; blanks for decorating by outside agencies and decorators, thus the quality of the earlier finished product can vary.
In 1904 the Morimura Brothers formed 'Nippon Toki Kaisha Ltd' and setup a production facility at Noritake near Nagoya on the Japanese island of Honshu. They registered their first Noritake back stamp around 1908 and registered their first Noritake mark in the USA around 1911.
There is high demand for good quality pieces, even with some wear to the handles, which is quite common, and they can fetch good prices. Japanese porcelain has almost always been good quality and has almost always been collected, but Noritake is probably the lesser cousin to the more desireable Kakiemon, Satsuma, Kutani and Imari wares. However we find it appeals to oriental porcelain collectors and that there is a good market for it.
The American architect Frank Lloyd Wright probably thought so too, when he designed tableware for Noritake in the 1920's. The tableware was produced for the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.
There are three commonly seen Noritake marks, namely the Noritake Maruki (often called Komaru) Mark, the M (for Morimura) Wreath Mark and the RC (for Royal Crockery) mark.
Between 1890 and 1921 the company marked their export china with 'Nippon' in western characters. These Nippon marks can date pieces to the 1890 to 1921 period, before the McKinley Tariff act demanded 'Japan' was used. After the first World War all Noritake production was marked 'Japan' or 'Made in Japan' to comply with the McKinley Tariff Act, and Nippon was only very rarely used after 1921. The use of Nippon can sometimes cause confusion as some pieces bear marks that state simply 'Oriental China, Nippon' around a rising sun. These Nippon marked pieces are highly desireable but collectors should be wary of faked Nippon marks on later pieces, particularly from the 1960's.
After WWII, from 1948 to 1952, Noritake China was marked in slightly differing ways, the most common marks used included 'Occupied Japan' or 'Made in Occupied Japan'.
Also Immediately after WWII, and due to an inability to maintain quality standards, the company stopped using Noritake on their marks and used 'Rose China' alongside a rose with 'Made in Japan' or 'Made in Occupied Japan' below. From about 1963 the company marked their china with 'Noritake Company Ltd'.
There are marks that include pattern or series names including Impromptu, Oneida, Grandceram, New Lineage, Noritake Tea Collection, among others. The most current mark includes 'Noritake Bone China' above a grecian style urn, within a wreath and with ® and Japan below.
View the original article here
In 1904 the Morimura Brothers formed 'Nippon Toki Kaisha Ltd' and setup a production facility at Noritake near Nagoya on the Japanese island of Honshu. They registered their first Noritake back stamp around 1908 and registered their first Noritake mark in the USA around 1911.
There is high demand for good quality pieces, even with some wear to the handles, which is quite common, and they can fetch good prices. Japanese porcelain has almost always been good quality and has almost always been collected, but Noritake is probably the lesser cousin to the more desireable Kakiemon, Satsuma, Kutani and Imari wares. However we find it appeals to oriental porcelain collectors and that there is a good market for it.
The American architect Frank Lloyd Wright probably thought so too, when he designed tableware for Noritake in the 1920's. The tableware was produced for the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.
There are three commonly seen Noritake marks, namely the Noritake Maruki (often called Komaru) Mark, the M (for Morimura) Wreath Mark and the RC (for Royal Crockery) mark.
Between 1890 and 1921 the company marked their export china with 'Nippon' in western characters. These Nippon marks can date pieces to the 1890 to 1921 period, before the McKinley Tariff act demanded 'Japan' was used. After the first World War all Noritake production was marked 'Japan' or 'Made in Japan' to comply with the McKinley Tariff Act, and Nippon was only very rarely used after 1921. The use of Nippon can sometimes cause confusion as some pieces bear marks that state simply 'Oriental China, Nippon' around a rising sun. These Nippon marked pieces are highly desireable but collectors should be wary of faked Nippon marks on later pieces, particularly from the 1960's.
After WWII, from 1948 to 1952, Noritake China was marked in slightly differing ways, the most common marks used included 'Occupied Japan' or 'Made in Occupied Japan'.
Also Immediately after WWII, and due to an inability to maintain quality standards, the company stopped using Noritake on their marks and used 'Rose China' alongside a rose with 'Made in Japan' or 'Made in Occupied Japan' below. From about 1963 the company marked their china with 'Noritake Company Ltd'.
There are marks that include pattern or series names including Impromptu, Oneida, Grandceram, New Lineage, Noritake Tea Collection, among others. The most current mark includes 'Noritake Bone China' above a grecian style urn, within a wreath and with ® and Japan below.
View the original article here
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Antique Oriental Rugs Collection Tips
There are different ways to distinguish antique oriental rugs to a semi antique oriental rug and to a normal oriental rug that are sold everywhere in the market. An antique oriental rug has characteristics that a normal rug does not posses. Antique carpets have a specific color called abrash. Abrash is what antique experts call the hue of the rugs when viewed in different angles. This abrash effect is still a mystery for antique collectors who also studied the uniqueness of these antiques. They have tried to replicate the process of giving color to the wool but they fail to get the result they wanted. This is the main reason why antique collectors are very fond of collecting these fine rugs.
Collecting antique carpets has become so popular these days, because of its value that goes up as time goes by. It is true that collecting antique rugs is a very fine hobby. It is also an ideal way of investing on something that is old but has a very good price value. Here are some tips on how they collect antique oriental rugs.
The first thing you need to do when planning to collect antique oriental style rugs is to learn how to distinguish the difference between the antique oriental and synthetic rugs. Buy books that will give you information that will help you learn important things about oriental rugs. You can also use technology in your search for information about these antique rugs. Attend seminars and join collector's groups that specialize in collecting antique carpets. By doing so you can gain access about the first hand information that they have.
Once you've gathered all the information and knowledge that you need to start collecting rugs it is time for you to go out there and see oriental antique rugs in real life. To be able to learn everything about antique rugs you should experience a close encounter with one. One place to go are shops that sell antique oriental rugs that has value. When you visit shops you should be able to distinguish valuable rugs with those that don't have values. You can practice your skills in identifying authentic rugs. You ask the seller whether what they sell are merely replicas for oriental antique rugs or authentic antique collections. You can also check from auction houses that sell antique rugs. You should also be keen on the price since authentic and valuable antique rugs are a lot more expensive than its other counterparts.
View the original article here
Collecting antique carpets has become so popular these days, because of its value that goes up as time goes by. It is true that collecting antique rugs is a very fine hobby. It is also an ideal way of investing on something that is old but has a very good price value. Here are some tips on how they collect antique oriental rugs.
The first thing you need to do when planning to collect antique oriental style rugs is to learn how to distinguish the difference between the antique oriental and synthetic rugs. Buy books that will give you information that will help you learn important things about oriental rugs. You can also use technology in your search for information about these antique rugs. Attend seminars and join collector's groups that specialize in collecting antique carpets. By doing so you can gain access about the first hand information that they have.
Once you've gathered all the information and knowledge that you need to start collecting rugs it is time for you to go out there and see oriental antique rugs in real life. To be able to learn everything about antique rugs you should experience a close encounter with one. One place to go are shops that sell antique oriental rugs that has value. When you visit shops you should be able to distinguish valuable rugs with those that don't have values. You can practice your skills in identifying authentic rugs. You ask the seller whether what they sell are merely replicas for oriental antique rugs or authentic antique collections. You can also check from auction houses that sell antique rugs. You should also be keen on the price since authentic and valuable antique rugs are a lot more expensive than its other counterparts.
View the original article here
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Guide to Obtaining a Number 1 Bone China Piece For Your Collection
How easy is it to Get started and what should I know?
Firstly, it is important to understand a little of its history and then, to learn what to collect and what to look out for when collecting bone china pieces.
How did it all begin? Josiah Spode is credited for the creation of bone china. Born in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England in 1733. Staffordshire is renowned for its ceramics and porcelain factories. Since a young man, Spode had worked with other potters and, in fact, had worked as an apprentice with Thomas Whieldon before opening his own factory, the Spode factory, in 1767. This factory is still in operation today. Although, Spode china is highly collectible, as is Minton, Coalport & Ridgeway and Davenport, his recipe for the making of bone fine china has spread all over the world, so it is important to learn and familiarise yourself with the Spode markings. Not many collectors can identify Spode china from other major manufactures producing similar wares, so, this is where you can gain the upper hand.
Why it's so collectible and a top bone china secret?
There are a number of reasons why antique china is so popular with collectors worldwide. Quality and design of the top manufacturers of bone china are unequalled and although many of the wares seem delicate bone china is the hardest and most resilient of all porcelain. Its colour is typically a translucent ivory white. Traditionally, the ingredients consists of 6 parts bone ash from pulverized animal bone, with a mix of 3.5 parts china clay (kaolin) and 4 parts chinastone (feldspar). One little secret to identify true bone chinaware is to hold a piece over a bright light. The light should pass through it.
What do I look for?
Rarity and condition is very important when it comes to searching for that collectible, particularly so in porcelain and bone chinaware. As mentioned before check for the makers mark. Since the 1770s to the present there have been over 300 backstamps for Spode. If 'England' is on the stamp then the date of manufacture is after 1890. Date marks came in 1870. Letters showed the month and two numbers indicates the year of manufacture.Shape and decoration can also determine the rarity and age of a piece.Ensure that there are no defects such as chipping, age cracks and colour ware. Look out for any repair work. Good repair work may not affect the price too greatly but try to purchase the best you can afford.
What's the best way to start collecting bone china?
Most collectible is the tea set chinaware. It is, arguably, the best way to start your collection, as you can purchase small items in a relatively inexpensive way and gradually add to your collection. Pieces can be found at car boot sales, auction rooms and garage sales and often at bargain prices, if you know what to look for. English bone china is generally beautifully decorated and, usually, of the highest quality. If you can afford to collect Spode - do so, but there are other manufacturers well worth mentioning:
are just a few you may like to consider.
View the original article here
Firstly, it is important to understand a little of its history and then, to learn what to collect and what to look out for when collecting bone china pieces.
How did it all begin? Josiah Spode is credited for the creation of bone china. Born in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England in 1733. Staffordshire is renowned for its ceramics and porcelain factories. Since a young man, Spode had worked with other potters and, in fact, had worked as an apprentice with Thomas Whieldon before opening his own factory, the Spode factory, in 1767. This factory is still in operation today. Although, Spode china is highly collectible, as is Minton, Coalport & Ridgeway and Davenport, his recipe for the making of bone fine china has spread all over the world, so it is important to learn and familiarise yourself with the Spode markings. Not many collectors can identify Spode china from other major manufactures producing similar wares, so, this is where you can gain the upper hand.
Why it's so collectible and a top bone china secret?
There are a number of reasons why antique china is so popular with collectors worldwide. Quality and design of the top manufacturers of bone china are unequalled and although many of the wares seem delicate bone china is the hardest and most resilient of all porcelain. Its colour is typically a translucent ivory white. Traditionally, the ingredients consists of 6 parts bone ash from pulverized animal bone, with a mix of 3.5 parts china clay (kaolin) and 4 parts chinastone (feldspar). One little secret to identify true bone chinaware is to hold a piece over a bright light. The light should pass through it.
What do I look for?
Rarity and condition is very important when it comes to searching for that collectible, particularly so in porcelain and bone chinaware. As mentioned before check for the makers mark. Since the 1770s to the present there have been over 300 backstamps for Spode. If 'England' is on the stamp then the date of manufacture is after 1890. Date marks came in 1870. Letters showed the month and two numbers indicates the year of manufacture.Shape and decoration can also determine the rarity and age of a piece.Ensure that there are no defects such as chipping, age cracks and colour ware. Look out for any repair work. Good repair work may not affect the price too greatly but try to purchase the best you can afford.
What's the best way to start collecting bone china?
Most collectible is the tea set chinaware. It is, arguably, the best way to start your collection, as you can purchase small items in a relatively inexpensive way and gradually add to your collection. Pieces can be found at car boot sales, auction rooms and garage sales and often at bargain prices, if you know what to look for. English bone china is generally beautifully decorated and, usually, of the highest quality. If you can afford to collect Spode - do so, but there are other manufacturers well worth mentioning:
- Royal Doulton
- Aynsley
- Limoges
- Haviland
- Shelly
- Paragon
are just a few you may like to consider.
View the original article here
Friday, June 3, 2011
Beach House Furniture Collecting
The sparkling blue of the ocean laps against the white sands of a calm, quiet beach. The hot and intense summer sun hangs in the blue sky above. People flock under the shady spots on the beach, either from the palm trees and their leaves or an arrangement of umbrellas in the sand. The clink of glasses and bottles is heard as people hydrate themselves. More chairs and tables are needed as more people gather. Bringing furniture to a beach gathering is extremely smart, and with portable furniture this becomes quite an easy task. On the beach, sand is a major player, and the furniture needs to be resistant to the detrimental effects of it as well.
Beach furniture is a very common find in the cars of those who enjoy outdoor activities. The variety of beach furniture is nearly limitless. Beach furniture reacts well to the same environment they are specialized for - the sea and the shore. One of the most important aspects of beach furniture is that it needs to be built to resist both sea salt corrosion and sand wear. Beach furniture is possibly the most portable type of furniture on the market today. These pieces are often built to be able to fold easily and into compact shapes. The joints of beach furniture are very small, with large sleeves to accommodate bending. This enables the furniture to be folded into a very small shape. This size allows for easy packing in cars and overall portability. Packing trunks for camping or other outdoor excursions is made easier with beach furniture.
Brass is one of the few metals that resist sea salt and its corrosion, which is why beach furniture can use this metal well. Brass can also simply be the coating for these pieces as well. Cloth that is light but sturdy is used to cross over the bars of these pieces, which enables the folding of beach furniture. The ease of replacing the cloth of these chairs makes them last for a very long time. Replacing the pieces of cloth can result in these items seeming like completely new installments. Other types of this furniture are crafted from metal, plastic, or wood.
The advantages of wood over metal is that wood does not rust, period. Wood, however, is very heavy when compared to lightweight metal furniture. Woods most suited for beach environments are light woods like ash. Driftwood is also used in an ironic and eccentric way to make these pieces. The fragility of driftwood is offset by its unmatched silky texture. Driftwood is hence most preferred in pieces that are used within a house.
Because driftwood ages well, many rustic pieces of beach furniture are made from it. The popularity of nautical decor is due to the fact it is so transportable and long-lasting.These furniture pieces are great to have on hand when at the beach.Most of the time, these installments are painted many different eclectic colors in order to attract attention.
View the original article here
Beach furniture is a very common find in the cars of those who enjoy outdoor activities. The variety of beach furniture is nearly limitless. Beach furniture reacts well to the same environment they are specialized for - the sea and the shore. One of the most important aspects of beach furniture is that it needs to be built to resist both sea salt corrosion and sand wear. Beach furniture is possibly the most portable type of furniture on the market today. These pieces are often built to be able to fold easily and into compact shapes. The joints of beach furniture are very small, with large sleeves to accommodate bending. This enables the furniture to be folded into a very small shape. This size allows for easy packing in cars and overall portability. Packing trunks for camping or other outdoor excursions is made easier with beach furniture.
Brass is one of the few metals that resist sea salt and its corrosion, which is why beach furniture can use this metal well. Brass can also simply be the coating for these pieces as well. Cloth that is light but sturdy is used to cross over the bars of these pieces, which enables the folding of beach furniture. The ease of replacing the cloth of these chairs makes them last for a very long time. Replacing the pieces of cloth can result in these items seeming like completely new installments. Other types of this furniture are crafted from metal, plastic, or wood.
The advantages of wood over metal is that wood does not rust, period. Wood, however, is very heavy when compared to lightweight metal furniture. Woods most suited for beach environments are light woods like ash. Driftwood is also used in an ironic and eccentric way to make these pieces. The fragility of driftwood is offset by its unmatched silky texture. Driftwood is hence most preferred in pieces that are used within a house.
Because driftwood ages well, many rustic pieces of beach furniture are made from it. The popularity of nautical decor is due to the fact it is so transportable and long-lasting.These furniture pieces are great to have on hand when at the beach.Most of the time, these installments are painted many different eclectic colors in order to attract attention.
View the original article here
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