How to Find Vintage
or Antique China
Searching for pieces of your grandmother's china pattern? Perhaps you want to complete your own set? Or find a unique gift for a friend? There are lots of great ways to find that elusive china pattern no matter how many pieces you seek.
Know What You Are Looking For
The more information you have, the easier it is to find a particular pattern. As a start, you'll want to know:
Pattern Name: this can be harder to find, but an image search or a pattern search on Replacements will help if you don't already know
Manufacturer: usually the manufacturer has stamped the back or bottom of each piece, but not always.
Country of Origin: where was the china made?
Once you have some or all of that information, you can begin your search.
Need Help Identifying a Pattern?
Replacements.com has a great free tool that may be able to help.
Looking for Vintage Inspiration?
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Want to Connect with Other Vintage Collectors?
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Top Online Marketplaces for Vintage & Antique China
Google Image Search
Great for: identifying an unknown pattern and its name; also can turn up search results on international eBay sites and other vintage sale sites around the world
Tips: Take a photo of the china that is in focus and up close. You want to get the details of the decoration. Then upload that photo to Google Image Search. It will scour the internet for images that match yours. Not all listings may be current, but this will give you an idea about where people might be selling your pattern.
Facebook Marketplace
Great for: local searches; use the Notify Me option to have FBMP keep track of your searches
Tips: Once you have typed in a search, you have the option to save that search and to turn on notifications which will tell you when other items with those search terms are added. Additionally, saving items that are similar to what you seek "trains" the algorithm making it more likely that what you like/seek will be shown at the top of your shopping feed.
Replacements.com
Great for: buying and selling china within the US (Note: they also ship internationally). Replacements has an image-based pattern identification tool which is spot on. You can also register for notifications if you are seeking something in particular. And you can tell them what you are looking for – and they will let you know if they find it.
Tips: Visit their website and create an account. Click on Register Patterns to request notifications for out of stock pieces. And use their Identification Tool to compare a photo of your pattern against their extensive collection.
Craigslist
Great for: local searches; trusted by people who don't trust FBMP, so the inventory listed is often very different.
Tips: You can choose your location and search other metropolitan areas as well which may lead to better search results. Then it's just a matter of negotiating payment and shipping or delivery.
Instagram and TikTok
Great for: finding an elusive piece or pattern
Tips: While it may seem counter-intuitive, there are sellers on Instagram and TikTok who specialize in vintage china and other goods. Get to know a seller's taste and sales process. Then ask if they will keep an eye out for the specific item you would like. Some will even take a price limit and your Venmo or PayPal, so if they find the item, they can request the cash quickly. Keep in mind: these sellers are usually shopping estate sales. They will need to act quickly if they find what you are looking for, so be very specific about what you're seeking.
EBTH
Everything but the House
Great for: setting up search keywords. Once you set your keywords, EBTH will email you when a new listing matches those keywords. It's great for a set-it-and-forget-it-approach!
Tips: Notification emails come with a photo of the new listing, so you can quickly decide if it matches what you seek. Every item is auctioned off, so there are deals to be had here – especially on lesser-known brands and patterns. Shipping, however, can be pricey.
EBAY
Great for: searching nationally with shipping included; use the saved searches feature
Tips: Sellers here are more likely to be professional resellers, vintage dealers, and the like, so prices may be a little higher. However, with purchase protection and shipping options, if you are buying from across the country – or around the world – that can be a bonus.
Local Places & In-Person Hunts (Estate Sales, Thrift Stores, Antique Shops)
Be sure to check out:
local garage and yard sales
church bazaars
antique shops
thrift stores.
estate sales
Often individual pieces or incomplete sets will be donated or sold piecemeal.
Tips for Shopping for China at Estate Sales, Thrift Stores & Antique Shops
Hunting for vintage china in person is equal parts treasure hunt and education. Each outing teaches you something new about pattern recognition, makers’ marks, and how to spot quality among chaos. Here are a few tips to make every trip worthwhile:
Go Early—but Stay Late
At estate sales, the early birds get the rare patterns and complete sets. But if you’re more interested in bargains, come back on the last day—prices often drop by 50% or more.
Bring a Flashlight and a Tape Measure
Dim basements and crowded shelves can hide gems. A small flashlight helps you inspect backstamps and glaze condition. A tape measure helps ensure pieces match your existing sets (cup diameters and plate sizes can vary between runs).
Learn the Feel of Quality
Gently run your fingers along the edges and rims. Fine bone china feels lighter and smoother than stoneware. You’ll start to recognize the “ring” of porcelain when lightly tapped with a fingernail—a telltale chime that says quality.
Check for Damage in Natural Light
Cracks and hairlines often hide beneath the glaze. Hold pieces up to a window or under a bright light to catch those faint spiderwebs of damage before you buy.
Don’t Fear Orphans
Single plates or teacups might not complete your set—but they make beautiful mix-and-match tablescapes, or can be used as serving dishes, candle stands, or wall decor.
Know Your Makers’ Marks
Snap a quick photo of the backstamp and look it up later using Google Lens or replacement sites like Replacements Ltd. The more familiar you are with stamps from Heinrich, Royal Doulton, Noritake, or Limoges, the easier it becomes to spot quality at a glance.
Ask About “The Box in the Back”
Dealers and estate sale hosts often have overflow items not yet displayed. A polite question might lead you to an entire matching set still packed away.
Negotiate Gracefully
At antique shops and estate sales, a courteous offer—especially when buying multiple pieces—can earn you a discount. Always respect the seller’s time and expertise.
Keep a Wishlist and Measurements Handy
Keep a note on your phone with your pattern names, desired piece counts, and rim measurements. That way you can quickly tell if a saucer or salad plate will fit your set.
Enjoy the Process
Every chip, price tag, and mismatched cup tells a story. The hunt is half the joy—and even when you don’t find what you’re after, you’re still part of the tradition of keeping these beautiful pieces alive.
at the close…
While my search for Nanette took decades, that isn’t true for everyone. We just happened to be searching for something very, very rare, evidently. But the search took me places I might never have gone, and it was quite gratifying!
And when you travel, pop into local shops to check out their selection. You never know what you will find!
I hope your search doesn't take decades! But the hunt is almost as satisfying as the find!
Cheers!
Angela
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