The use of pottery and china items around the home dates back many thousands of years. Throughout their long history the ancient Egyptians developed a number of pottery designs which are now used by specialists to date entire archaeological sites as they are discovered. Today's world is no different pottery and china designs are often distinct to a specific time frame and collectors know what features to look for in genuine pieces.

Most people aren't serious collectors though and as such you may just be looking for items to furnish your house or complement pieces that you already have. Buying new china and pottery items can be expensive if you like the big names such as Royal Doulton, Minton and Wedgwood. If you take the time to look, however, you can often find quality pieces from your favourite manufacturers that are being sold second hand for much lower prices.

Buying pottery for the home
When you think of pottery in the home you probably think of collectible knick-knacks, ornaments and vases. Today however you can get statues, money boxes, indoor water fountains, paperweights, lamps, candy dishes and hundreds of other items that are made of pottery. Advances in technology have meant that these pieces can be made in all manner of shapes, sizes and colours from giant Winnie the Pooh figurines to tiny thimble sized cat ornaments, all of which have the same level of detail and collectibility.

A lot of people have a favourite type of animal, such as elephants, penguins or cats. Buying pottery ornaments of these animals can become a hobby and finding new or unusual items is a real treat. Like any hobby though, it can become expensive if you buy everything from a store. Buying second hand pottery is a great way to get the ornaments or collectibles that you want without spending hundreds of pounds in the process. The only downside is that you might have to wait a while longer to find the pieces you're looking for.

Things to look for
If you are thinking of buying second hand pottery items then you should try to see the actual piece before paying. If you can't get to see it in person then you need to ask for a range of quality photos that show it from a range of angles. Delicate pottery can damage quite easily and small fracture lines and cracks may not show up on some photos so ask the seller about any damage as well.

Pottery items such as vases and teapots will have a glazed finish to stop liquids from seeping into them. Make sure that the glaze isn't cracked or chipped and that any small fracture lines don't spoil the overall look of the piece. If the piece is being advertised as a collectible then you should check the factory markings for authenticity. You might also want to scan through the manufacture's catalogue to check the piece is actually one of theirs and isn't simply a reproduction.

Buying china for the home
An ordinary dining room table can be made to look quite regal with a good quality china dinner service. Just having a nice set of cups, saucers and a matching teapot can also bring elegance to a room. China items in the home go further than this though -- you can also collect ornaments, vases, statues and other knick-knacks that are made by the world's top manufacturers. Not surprisingly, many professional collectors of fine china have a favourite manufacturer or time period that they specifically look for and some will spend thousands of pounds on a single item if they think it is worthwhile.

Ordinary people generally haven't got thousands of pounds to spend on china ornaments though! Thankfully, this doesn't necessarily mean you can't own any as buying them second hand can save you a small fortune if you know what to look for.

Things to look for
China items don't have to be expensive or particularly collectible to be beautiful. If you see a piece you like but it isn't from a world famous manufacturer, you shouldn't automatically think it isn't worth buying after all, Royal Doulton wasn't classed as collectible when they first began production! Unless you are a serious collector you should buy what you think looks good rather than what you think might make you money.

China items are very easily damaged and so you should check for chips, cracks and repair work carefully before buying. Most china items have a glaze applied to protect them and over time this can develop tiny fracture lines. Check that these aren't too serious and that they don't ruin the look of the piece. If the item is being advertised as collectible or from a specific factory then do a bit of research and make sure that the factory markings, which are usually on the base, look exactly like the ones in the manufacturer's catalogue also, if the catalogue states that only 10 pieces were ever made then you can be reasonably sure the one you're interested in is a reproduction!

Most people in the UK own at least one item made from pottery or china. Not only are these pieces collectible but in many cases they make great heirlooms to hand on to children and grandchildren. If you decide to buy new then you can be sure of perfect pieces however you will also pay quite a high price for this privilege. Buying second hand is an option that will probably save you plenty of money however you need to check for damage thoroughly and do a little bit of research.
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21 June 2008
COALPORT CHINA SAUCE POT..
Lovely horse and hound hunting scene which can be used as a sauce/mustard container or trinket pot, 3inches/8cm high, absolute perfect condition and never used (can post) .
£15
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