Daryle Lambert: Antique Minton China Surprises

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I received a call from one of our members of the 31 Club asking about the value of his Minton platter. Looking at the piece, my first thoughts were “this is a relatively new piece.” Going to my trusty Kovel book of marks, listed was the platter made from1951 till present just as I thought. However, before I got to the specific mark that appeared on this piece, I viewed several others that had been used by the Minton Company over the years. This sparked my interest a little more.

This particular platter was from a set of dinnerware that I suggested might better be sold via eBay because of its later production date. As I began to research this piece, I realized other Minton pieces could be wonderful purchases. This company has a long and prosperous history commencing in 1793 through present day. They made quality items from the very beginning. Remember what I have shared with you about value, if something had very little value when it was produced, regardless of its age; it probably has very little real value today. However, if it had great value when it was made, its value could be hundreds of times greater today. This is wonderfully demonstrated by the quality of Minton china and how its values have continued to climb through the years. As a result of research done on behalf of one of our members, I now know that Minton’s tableware ranks right up there with Meissen. To know the value of a Minton piece, you must know the approximate age of the piece and this can only be established if you have the appropriate reference material to cross reference.

I have to admit that I have never held Minton in very high esteem, but that was because I wasn't knowledgeable about the value of their earlier pieces. I am sure that I have passed by several valuable pieces over the last 45 years as a result of not having this knowledge. I hope that by sharing this information, you will not make the same mistakes that I have.

There are some truly fantastic items out there just waiting in the marketplace for your discovery. I believe that if you become knowledgeable about Minton’s values, you will be able to trump almost every dealer that you run into on your hunt for this treasure.

How would you like to find this piece for $150? Majolica bowl staved basket form, rope handles c. 1865, 11 inches, Value up to $6,000. Minton produced a wide range of merchandise including: dishes, figurines, jardinières, jugs, pitchers, garden sets and teapots. Most of these items from Minton’s early years will command prices in the thousands. You can see and research many of these items in Kovel's Antique and Collectible Price Guide.

As you can see, members of the 31 Club’s participation contribute greatly to the information that I am able to share with the readers of this blog. Please keep your questions coming and as McCain said "I will keep your names and make you famous."

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Minton China - Overlooked But Valuable

A Minton pâte-sur-pâte flask. See additional photo slideshow assembled by Christopher Proudlove.

I have been interested in English China ever since I started collecting Doulton. In the 1800s, there were many wonderful companies producing china in England, but many of their works have been forgotten, because most people consider them old fashion. Minton is one of these. But, true collectors of Minton China are just waiting for special pieces to show their heads, and these Minton China pieces from the 1800s will bring top dollar. It is nothing for a jardiniere, plate or vase to bring $4,000 or many times more. Some Minton has the look of majolica, which refers to enamelled stoneware with high-relief decoration, and often these pieces can be rather large and bring top dollar.

Today, the difference between the dollar and the pound makes it a great time for British collectors to be watching our markets very closely for those sought after pieces to buy here in this country and ship back to England. To the English, everything in America is selling for half price, and they assuredly want to take advantage of this buying opportunity. In several years past, the currency situation was the reverse, and many a great Minton pieces found their way into this country, while many more pieces remain stashed away in the estates of their original owners.

The early Minton pieces had many marks, and they can all be found in Kovels New Dictionary of Marks. I have recommended that everyone reading this Blog and working the 31 Club Plan own a copy of this book. It doesn’t have to be a new one. In fact, I buy many of my reference books used. Amazon has many used copies of this excellent resource available for under $7. I don’t see how it’s possible for a person in this business to do well without a good mark book. It is impossible to keep the different marks of all the companies you will run across in your head.

While Minton has many pieces collectors dream of owning, they have also produced a lot of common china. This isn't what we are looking for. The pieces we want are brightly colored and have flowers, Sea Creatures, Cherubs, Greek Goddesses, Fruit, Children and other stunning features. Do be aware that there are reproductions in the market, and if you have any doubt, be sure to have a return policy with the seller should it prove to be a reproduction. The great thing about Minton is that they made it very easy to date most of their pieces, and all Minton will have their name on it. Listings of each date with its symbol can be found in the back of the Kovels book.

Although the kind of Minton we are looking for was produced in the mid 1800s, Minton actually began production around 1793. It is still being made today by Doulton, who acquired them in 1968 and still uses the Minton name.

If you go to eBay you will not find many of the older pieces, because as I stated earlier, most people consider Minton old fashioned. But a little further research will show what the true pieces sell for, you’ll say, “Whoa!” Many of these great pieces can be seen in sales catalogs from Christie’s and Sotheby’s.

Remember, in this country, the Minton name may not carry much weight, but in England and other European countries, the Minton name is still King of the Hill.

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