Antique Pottery And Glassware Collecting

By Anna Cooper


Specialists will be aware that anything rare and valuable that is worth collecting does not come cheaply and will be much sought after. Often functional as well as decorative, antique pottery and glassware is a highly desirable collector's item. They will also know where the best deals are to be found and will deal with only reputable traders to preserve their own reputations.

Most part-time collectors will approach their collections differently to a professional. They will concentrate on scouring second-hand shops, yard sales and small markets for pieces that attracts them. They will likely be focused on looking for a low cost item that appeals to their sense of aesthetic as well as fitting somewhere into their collection.

Knowing what you are looking for, how much you are willing to pay for it and where the best place to find it, is all things that the part-time collector will take into account. If they know what to look for, they may pay attention to marks on the item which will denote its origin or maker, the skill with which it is made and the weight of it, to be able to separate a fake from a genuine article.

The demand and rarity of a particular item is normally what makes it collectible. If an item floods the market it is no longer rare and desirable, no matter how attractive it is, this will result in a decreased value. In the back of most collectors minds is the thought that one day, when they least expect it, they will come across a hidden gem while searching through garage sales and flea markets for an item.

Collecting glassware is a passion for some people. They eagerly hunt for the next piece of milk glass to add to their growing collection, or Carnival glass with its iridescent sheen. Setting their beautiful objects on display, making space to add another item becomes all-consuming.

With vintage making a recent comeback, Pyrex from the early years is now in demand. Gentle pastel shades of blue and green take us back to the 1950's and 1960's when it was all the rage. The testament of the Pyrex brand is that these dishes are still functional after more than sixty years. Many modern homes can boast at least a small collection of oven ware which has been passed down through generations and are still in daily use.

Pottery is made from clay that becomes porous once baked and is different to ceramics. Some pottery's origins can be identified purely by the type of clay that was used as they will carry different ores specific to certain regions. The pottery will be glazed to make it waterproof for use. Fakes and counterfeits often flood the market so the buyer would need to make sure they are aware of what to look for to ensure they have a genuine article.

A valuable piece of advice would be to buy what you love, not because you think it would be a good investment piece. That way you can never be disappointed with your special item as it will always hold a special place in your home.




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