Antique Tableware

Tableware reaches the Vernissage more often as single pieces than as complete sets: a tea pair, a dish, a sauce boat, a pair of silver spoons. People buy such things for the table, for the cabinet, and to complete a service already begun.

With porcelain, look at the mark on the base, the state of the glaze, and the gilding at the rim — gilding wears first, from repeated washing. With silver, check the assay mark and the depth of the engraving: tarnish is not a fault and cleans away, but a pattern worn through to the base cannot be restored. With crystal, check the rim for chips and listen to the tone.

Pieces from one service sometimes end up with different sellers, so if you are assembling a set it is worth writing to several at once — they will recognise the mark.

Complete services are listed separately under Dinner Sets.