There’s something undeniably romantic about a stack of well-used plates: the faint crazing in the surface of the glaze, the slightly worn gilt finish on the rim, the memory of Sunday suppers, birthday dinners, and celebratory meals. They tell a story, and for any vintage shopper interested in pieces that carry emotional weight, they’re often high on the wish list.
Vintage tableware has long been a cornerstone of country homes and antique stores alike, but these days, dealers reveal that the hunt has taken on a renewed sense of urgency. Not only are these pieces in high demand for buyers, but vintage dishes can fetch a pretty penny, making them difficult to find both for sellers and consumers.
Below, we’re taking a peek behind the curtain (or perhaps above the tablecloth) to discern which pieces pros constantly hunt for themselves—and how you can score a prized platter, too. From hand-painted ironstone to delicately scalloped transferware, these are the hot ticket items that every dealer wants to get their hands on—if only so they can resell them to the next appreciative collector.
U.S. Navy Serveware
While there are plenty of tableware pieces that are popular regardless of where in the country you’re shopping, there’s also a degree of regionality that comes into play, too. As a dealer rooted in New England, Seacraft Vintage owner Jackie Greaney sells a lot of nautical-leaning dishware in her Maine store, including a wide variety of U.S. Navy serveware, which is typically blue and white and features anchors, flags, eagles, or other patriotic motifs.
“The heavy, restaurant-grade porcelain was built to withstand life onboard, so it’s both durable and beautifully classic, while also bringing real American history to the table,” says Jackie, who keeps an eye out for higher-quality pieces commonly found in officers’ wardrooms, like large platters and bowls, covered tureens, coffee urns, teapots, and gravy boats. “China marked for a specific vessel (e.g., ‘USS ___’) is significantly more collectible than generic U.S. Navy pieces, especially if the ship had historical significance,” she adds.
English Feather-Edge Pieces
For Sean Scherer, owner of Catskills, New York–based Kabinett & Kammer, nothing beats the siren’s call of antique English dishware, which he says has seen a rise in popularity—and thus, price—in recent years. “I always try to stock good serving platters,” adds Sean. “My customers’ favorites are antique English feather-edge pieces, also referred to as creamware or pearlware. They add a wonderful vintage touch but can also mix effortlessly with modern table settings.”
Vintage China Patterns
The concept of a family member (think your mom or grandma) trying to pass off their old wedding china has become something of a quintessential pop culture reference, but according to antique expert Jacqueline Burrows, there’s still a huge market for certain patterns of vintage china. The owner of The Sleepy Flea notes that many coveted old-school patterns still have mass appeal—and can even fetch more than their original asking price.
“There are countless unique sets of discontinued china patterns that make a statement on a modern table,” adds Jacqueline. “Look out for brands like Richard Ginori, Spode, Tiffany, or Wedgwood. Because large sets of china are fragile and cumbersome, dealers are often eager to get rid of them, so you can sometimes find a deal if you're in the right place at the right time.”
Trompe L’oeil Plates
For some pros, finding a treasure has as much to do with charm as it does with condition and craftsmanship. For Alexander Widener, antique expert and owner of Widener Company, the most sought-after tabletop pieces are those that come with a little wink. “Trompe l’oeil, the French term for ‘trick of the eye,’ is having a major moment, and I’ve become obsessed with the Trompe l’oeil plates made by the Italian pottery Este Ceramiche for Tiffany & Co. in the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s,” he explains.
Widener’s favorite signature look isn’t exactly functional, but it sure is fun. The pieces look like a real plate of food, except everything is rendered by hand in ceramic. “Some of my favorites are the ones with peas, eggs, or mushrooms,” adds Alexander. “My husband got me an artichoke example, which is wonderful. These plates can fetch a pretty penny, so I’m always on the hunt for them when I’m antiquing, and I would love to stumble across a large collection to sell at my shop.”
Yacht Club China
Similar to Navy dishware, Jackie also keeps her eye out for other nautical-leaning antique options, including china and serveware that once belonged to yacht clubs. “These pieces are typically made of high-quality porcelain and feature the club’s burgee with other decorative design elements, like borders, gold trim, or ornate crests,” she says. “Some clubs would even do a special run of china for events with other clubs and print pieces with the two clubs’ burgees crossed. We love finding these pieces from popular clubs like New York, Boston, or the Eastern Yacht Club.”
Statement Serveware
Part of the fun of vintage and antique shopping is the idea of finding a piece that no one you know has, whether that’s a great chest of drawers or a uniquely shaped platter. For Jacqueline, quirky conversation starters and statement pieces always catch her eye—and entice buyers. “A statement serving dish can become a fun conversation piece,” she says. “I like to look for funky or unexpected pieces to mix in with the rest of the table setting. From a bright yellow vintage cabbageware tureen to an antique divided lobster dish, these sorts of pieces pack a little punch and make your home more memorable.”
18th-Century Chinese Export
It seems nearly unbelievable that delicate dishware could survive over two centuries intact, but according to Alexander, it is possible—and those pieces are among the most popular. “Finding perfectly intact dishes from 250 years ago is more common than you think, and I love stocking 18th-century pieces at my shop here in Maine,” he says. “A lot of what I am drawn to is considered ‘Chinese export,’ which are pieces that were made in China during the 18th century, exclusively for the American and European markets. They are made of porcelain and are often hand-decorated with pretty designs. I’m always looking for teacups—the really old ones were made without a handle—saucers, bowls, and teapots. When I get one in with an unusual decoration or color, it always sells instantly, no matter how much the price is.”
