You have been given the ultimate trust… Great Grandmas Vintage china set.
You promise yourself that you will be the best steward over her dishes…then one day the unthinkable happens. CRRAAACCCKKK…
calm down, dont panic!!
First, how deep is the crack? Is it cosmetic, surface crack, or has it penetrated to both sides? Have you lost any pieces, or is it chipping in any way?
Sometimes minor blemish surface cracks are easily fixed with an epoxy or superglue (They even have repair kits with the proper product depending on the material.)
Once repaired, this piece can be relegated to “display only” status to keep from any further damage.
if it is beyond repair
So what do you do when that piece of China has been lost in a move, or fire or other act of nature?
There are several options.
- Go directly to the source! If you know the maker/brand, you can contact them directly, and they may still have some in stock. Many patterns your grandma had may still be available for purchase through open stock. If not, they may be a good place to start in directing you towards your next course of action.
- Ebay. There are lots of retailers on on Ebay that sell replacement stock of vintage and discontinued chinaware. If you know the maker, or even pattern, you may be able to find that piece you are looking for.
- online replacement. There are many companies that buy up old surplus, auction, estate sales, etc. they may have what you are looking for.
Replacements.com
This place is AMAZING!. When we lived in North Carolina, we were lucky enough to visit their showroom and warehouse on several occasions.
They have vast displays in various rooms that you can walk through and take a trip back in time.
Old Depression glass, and china and pottery. They even have vintage silver sets and tableware. Looking for something a little more recent? They have that too! ( I found the pattern we had when I was a kid!)
They have all different china patterns and sets, all era’s makers and brands. You can even sell your china to them.
“ Since 1981, we’ve looked for what’s missing and found what’s needed, connecting the right person to the right piece at the right time. Our stacked-to-the-rafters warehouse is packed with more than 11 million pieces of history-soaked china, crystal, silver, estate jewelry & watches, and more. So whether you’re recreating the warmth of grandma’s table or putting your own personality on full display, we probably have what you need (and we’ll try to find it if we don’t)“
You dont have to live in NC to take advantage. You can go online or call.
Don’t know your china pattern? You can upload photographs and they can help you identify and determine the brand and pattern!
other online sites
There are other online sites that have the same services, but their inventory may not be quite as extensive as Replacements.
- CLASSIC REPLACEMENTS: where you can find and purchase your discontinued china, crystal and flatware. “We will also be glad to find any discontinued china or tableware pattern you might be interested in, obscure or hard to find as it may be. Just register your pattern with us, and we will contact you via e-mail as soon as we obtain your pattern. “
- CHINA REPLACEMENTS: “We specialize in the discontinued and hard to find patterns. Our inventory includes fine & casual china, porcelain, pottery, earthenware, stoneware, crystal, stainless, silverplate, sterling and collectibles. We carry all of the major manufacturers and many more. If your pattern is no longer being produced, we may be able to help you find additional pieces. We also buy discontinued patterns.“
- ROBBINSNEST.COM– “Robbins Nest is a family based independent antique collectible dealer, selling consigned items via the internet and phone. We are not a part of any china company...specialize in Homer Laughlin China but stock several other potters/patterns as well. We deal mostly in older dinnerware patterns that are no longer in production.. sell by the piece, with actual shipping charge, so you may buy as much or as little as you need. If you are looking for pieces to your pattern and we have the items in stock, you are welcome to order over the phone or internet. If we do not have the requested items in stock, we can place your information in our computer files and notify you as pieces become available.”
